Liverpool pull plug on Origi's Dortmund move as Reds refuse to loan out forward

Liverpool will not consider loaning out striker Divock Origi this month having puled the plug on his prospective move to Borussia Dortmund.

The Reds had been in negotiations with Dortmund over a deal for the Belgian international, but that move appears dead in the water with the Germans unwilling to meet the asking price for the 23-year-old. Dortmund, according to widespread reports, are now targeting Barcelona frontman Paco Alcacer as an alternative option.

Liverpool are adamant that Origi will not be leaving the club on loan during this window, and have made that clear to the player and his representatives. Manager Jurgen Klopp would be happy to keep the former Lille man as a squad option if no permanent deal materialises, with the situation to then be re-assessed in January.

Origi spent last season on loan in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, but endured a difficult campaign, scoring just six goals in 34 appearances.

Liverpool agreed to sell him to Wolves earlier this month in a deal worth £22 million ($28m) plus add-ons, only for the player to turn down the move. Having secured around £20m ($26m) when agreeing the sale of Danny Ings to Southampton, they believe their asking price for Origi is fair.

The forward is understood to have impressed Klopp during an inter-team game at Melwood this week, and would be in line to feature in the matchday squad should any of Liverpool’s main five forward options – Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Xherdan Shaqiri and Daniel Sturridge – pick up an injury.

Liverpool also have Dominic Solanke among their options, though Origi’s record of 21 goals in 77 appearances for the Reds surpasses that of the 20-year-old, who found the net once in 27 outings last term.

Liverpool expect goalkeeper Loris Karius to complete a two-year loan to Besiktas this weekend, for which they will receive £2.25m ($2.9m) with an obligation for a £7.25m ($9.3m) permanent deal further down the line. The German’s departure will mean Simon Mignolet will remain at the club as back-up to first choice Alisson Becker.

Lazar Markovic, Pedro Chirivella and Sheyi Ojo could also leave before the transfer window closes in a week’s time, while both Anderson Arroyo and Connor Randall signed loan deals with Gent and Rochdale respectively on Thursday.