Liverpool have two solutions for the left-back if Robertson joins Tottenham

Robertson’s desire for regular starts and recognition of his services to the Reds has led to Liverpool entering talks with Tottenham over a January signing.

If the vice-captain were to leave, Arne Slot’s defense would become desperately thin: he is well established not only as a second-choice left-back, but also as a centre-back.

This is Anfield understands there will be plans for a new back-up left-back if Robertson leaves, as now seems increasingly likely.

How the Kostas Tsimikas recall works

Such an option could be recalling Kostas Tsimikas of his rental period at AS Roma.

Tsimikas left Liverpool on a season-long loan at the end of the summer transfer window, having fallen further down the pecking order following Kerkez’s £40 million move from Bournemouth.

But the Greek has struggled to get a start in Italy as only eight of his 16 appearances so far have come in Gian Piero Gasperini’s 11th match.

His return would provide Kerkez with immediate cover for a player already established on Merseyside and proven in both the Premier League and Champions League – although a recall would have to be agreed with Roma.

Liverpool also have more depth within the academy than the expected new order of Kerkez as first choice and Tsimikas as second choice.

Calum Scanlon: Next in line for Liverpool’s academy

That could include promoting Calum Scanlonthe 20-year-old who made his return this month after almost eleven months away with a hamstring injury.

Scanlon’s injury ended a promising loan spell at Millwall last season, but after completing his recovery at the AXA Training Center he has now played two friendlies against a senior Wrexham side and Marseille U19s.

The £500,000 signing from Birmingham has developed significantly in terms of his physique and, provided he can stay fit, he looks ready to make the step up to the first team.

While caution must be exercised in any promotion for Scanlon from Liverpool – and another loan move would almost certainly be preferable – Luke Chambers, who joined Charlton on loan on Thursday, could be seen as next in line.

Liverpool’s other left-back options: Gomez, Beck and more

Liverpool’s other left-back options within the academy include a 19-year-old Clae Ewing and 18 years old Alvin Aymanalthough neither will be considered ready for the first team and both are natural midfielders who are still learning the role.

Owen Beck is back at the club after hamstring surgery curtailed his loan spell at Derby, but the Wales international won’t return until March at the earliest.

Lock can also consider Joe Gomes as cover at left-back, but the 28-year-old starts at centre-back in the absence of Ibrahima Konate and Giovanni Leoni and is also needed at right-back at times.