Liverpool transfer deal for Geertruida ‘takes twist’ after green light | Football | Sport

Liverpool have reportedly received an update on their late pursuit of Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida, with the Dutchman giving the green light to be reunited with Arne Slot on Merseyside. The Reds entered the market following injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, leaving them light at the back.

However, a pursuit of Geertruida, who worked with Slot at Feyenoord, has proved complicated. He is currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, with the Black Cats spending £2million on him for the season, with no recall option in the deal. Liverpool had attempted to negotiate a way to cut his time at Sunderland short, in order to move to Merseyside.

But The Times claim that such a deal is not expected to proceed. Liverpool were ready to sanction a move and the 25-year-old versatile defender was prepared to swap clubs in January.

But Sunderland are not willing to terminate his loan at such short notice, with little time to find a replacement in the window.

TalkSPORT report that Liverpool were offered the chance to sign Geertruida, but a decision has been made that it is not viable to bring him in.

Geertruida has played 17 times in the Premier League this season and was previously on Liverpool’s radar when he endured a frustrating spell in the Bundesliga, following a £17m move from Feyenoord.

He is not thought to be the only player on Liverpool’s shortlist as they desperately try to add numbers to Slot’s defence before Monday’s transfer deadline, which closes at 7pm.