Liverpool have been issued a warning not to “waste their time” on Christian Pulisic as Borussia Dortmund are not willing to sell the midfielder.

Pulisic is highly rated by Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp who has already tried to dip back into his old club to sign the USA international.

Despite having an £11million bid rejected for the tricky winger last season, The Liverpool Echo reports that the Reds are still keen on signing the Dortmund wonderkid.

“We have communicated very clearly that we won’t sell Christian and that he’s very much part of our plans,” Zorc explained to Bild.

“Liverpool don’t need to waste their time.”

Liverpool are expected to be active in the upcoming January transfer window as Klopp may feel the need to freshen up his exciting attacking contingent.

With Sadio Mane off to the African Cup of Nations in January and injuries to Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge, the Reds might need reinforcements to maintain their title charge after the turn of the year.

Liverpool could make a move for French striker Gregoire Defrel next month in a bid to solve their crisis up front.

Defrel has been linked with Premier League interest after an impressive season with Serie A club, Sassuolo, for whom the forward has scored seven goals in 19 games.

Liverpool January transfer targets Show all 7 1 /7 Liverpool January transfer targets Liverpool January transfer targets Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund) The Merseyside club failed with an £11m bid for the 18-year-old striker in the summer, but may try their hand at signing him again this January. Pulisic is one of Europe's most highly-rated teenagers, having already made his international debut for the United States. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Virgil van Dijk (Southampton) It would not be a transfer window without Liverpool being linked with somebody from Southampton. This time it's Van Dijk, who has emerged as one of the Premier League's best centre-halves since arriving on the south coast from Celtic. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen) Jurgen Klopp is reportedly keen to strengthen his defence and the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back would be a good addition for the Reds. The German Tah is only 20 years of age but has impressed for both club and country this season. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Paul-Georges Ntep (Rennes) The left-midfielder’s deal at Rennes expires at the end of the season and so he will be free to sign a pre-contract in January. A strong dribbler of the ball, Ntep has been made two appearances for France. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon) Seeing as Roberto Firmino is not a natural no. 9 and Daniel Sturridge has fallen out of favour, Liverpool have been linked with several strikers including French forward Alexandre Lacazette. The Lyon striker is quick, explosive and has already reached double figures this season. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) The Athletic Bilbao youngster signed a new contract in January with a release clause of €50m, but the rumours linking him with Anfield have not died down. The 22-year-old would certainly fit in with Jurgen Klopp’s style of play. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Mahmoud Dahoud (Borussia Monchengladbach) Jurgen Klopp has long admired the Germany under-21 midfielder, who plies his trade with Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany. Klopp will have to do battle with former club Dortmund to sign the German, while Italian giants Juventus are also interested. Getty

Defrel struggled to make an impression in the Italian top tier after a quiet spell at Cesena but after making the move to Sassuolo in 2015 the forward seems to have finally found his feet.

The Liverpool Echo understands that the 25-year-old is being monitored by the Reds and West Ham with Slaven Bilic reportedly a big admirer of the Frenchman.

Defral has also scored twice in the Europa League this season during the club’s 3-0 victory over Atletico Bilbao and in their 2-2 draw with Rapid Vienna.

Defrel's form has been a major highlight in struggling Sassuolo's season (Getty ) (Getty)

Rafa Benitez believes that Liverpool target Jamaal Lascelles will not leave St.James Park for his former club in the January transfer window.

The Daily Express reports that Liverpool and Chelsea are both interested in the Newcastle captain and could battle for his signature next month after some commanding performances in the Championship this season.

Liverpool sent scouts to watch Lascelles during Newcastle’s 4-0 win over Birmingham last weekend as the club see the former England Under-21 international as a possible option to solve their defensive problems.

Benitez, however, doesn’t see either club being able to lure his talisman away from Tyneside.

“I saw the links, but I have been talking with Jamaal and with more people around him,” Benitez said.