Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has all but ruled out the possibility of Harvey Elliott leaving on loan this summer.
The 18-year-old has come to the fore during pre-season for the Reds and looks set to make a big contribution to the first team this coming campaign.
Following a successful loan spell at Blackburn Rovers last term, there had been speculation that another spell out on loan would be beneficial for both player and club.
However, speaking during the pre-match press conference ahead of a trip to Norwich City this weekend, Klopp confirmed the teenage attacking midfielder was firmly part of the thinking at Anfield.
The 54-year-old said: ”That’s the plan [to remain with the squad]. We don’t treat him like an 18-year-old boy, at least in training. Off the pitch, he is much more a kid than on it! He brings a different dimension into the game, dribbling, top passing range.”
Klopp continued to sing the praises of the England youth international, as cited by Paul Gorst on Twitter.
Twitter: Klopp on Harvey Elliott: “He showed up in an exceptional way. He’s only 18 but we don’t treat him like one on the p… https://t.co/GvuHEWNa4q (@ptgorst)
Last season Elliott scored seven times and added 11 assists in 41 Championship appearances.
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Klopp, like the rest of us, can only wax lyrical about the way the teenager has looked during pre-season.
Whether or not that form can translate into Premier League performances remains to be seen, but what is for sure is that all the ability is there.
The German manager gave an emotive press conference overall as the boss explained the transfer situation and went into detail about the squad strength and financial restraints.
With just over two weeks remaining in the window, despite the emergence of the likes of Elliot, Curtis Jones and Ben Woodburn, there is still time for incomings.
