Jurgen Klopp appeared to laugh off the idea of Liverpool landing Jude Bellingham's signature in the upcoming January transfer window but did claim the Reds are "prepared" for next month.
The teenage England star has been linked with a move to Anfield for some time, but Borussia Dortmund are in no rush to cash in on one of the hottest properties in world football any time soon. Bellingham has a lengthy list of potential suitors, with Spanish giants Real Madrid reportedly showing a keen interest.
Pressed for comment on the likelihood of a move for the 19-year-old in the next few weeks, Klopp laughed as he replied: "In January? I'm the wrong person to answer that, you will have to ask other people about that."
He went on to add: "January, in our situation, is a window from a sports side we are always prepared, it's always clear what kind of ideas we have or how the necessity is from our point of view.
"All the rest doesn't lie 100 per cent in our hands and we always work with what we've got, and that will not change. You can imagine the situation we are in that we are probably looking. If something happens, we will see."
Bellingham has also recently discussed his ambitions as speculation over his next move continues, with the Dortmund midfielder revealing: "I want to win way more, and I want to continue to push the boundaries of my own potential and talent."
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It remains to be seen whether he views Anfield as the perfect place to get his hands on the silverware he desires.
Some Reds fans have expressed their fear that the impending departure of sporting director Julian Ward could be a factor in how the club choose to operate in the window, but Klopp also took the opportunity to ensure supporters his exit will not hinder Liverpool's dealings.
Ward, who took over from the hugely successful Michael Edwards in the summer, is leaving at the end of the current campaign.
Klopp has not ruled out making a move in January to bolster a squad which has been hit by long-term injuries to forwards Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.
"It was a surprise when Julian told me. But we work completely normal together until the day that he leaves. Julian is 100 per cent committed and everything is fine," said Klopp. "We never had a problem and will not have a problem, so it’s all fine.
"He told me after the Southampton game (their last game before the World Cup break) and it was a surprise at that moment. That is his decision and that’s OK. It will have no impact for this period, not at all."
