Liverpool have completed the signing of Steven Caulker, who will remain on Merseyside for the remainder of the current season.
Jurgen Klopp has had to contend with a glut of injuries since his arrival at Anfield, with the heart of his back four bearing the brunt of these problems. At present the German coach is without Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho, Kolo Toure and even young Joe Gomez, which left the door open for Tiago Ilori to make his first team debut in the 2-2 FA Cup at Exeter City.
The Reds have now moved to add more experience to their options by taking Caulker on loan for the remainder of the campaign. The 24-year-old is under contract at Queens Park Rangers but, following their relegation from the Premier League last season, was due to spend the current term at Southampton who had the option to take him permanently.
However, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Cardiff City man failed to force his way into the first team picture at St Mary’s on a regular basis, playing just once in the league, and the Saints agreed to terminate their agreement with the Loftus Road club. This, in turn, has allowed Klopp to take the England international cap, who could feature against Arsenal on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Liverpool coach has also reacted to speculation linking him with Brazil international forward Alexandre Pato. The former Milan player is back in his homeland with Corinthians, and is said to be open to a return to Europe. Klopp was asked about the link on Monday, though, and replied: “My private advice to you is don’t follow the Pato path any longer.”
