Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reportedly blocked a potential loan exit for centre-back Rhys Williams.
The 19-year-old has quickly been promoted to the Reds' first team following long-term injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, and has garnered plenty of praise for his performances.
Williams played in all six of Liverpool's Champions League group-stage matches - starting three of them - and the teenager played the full 90 minutes as Klopp's men overcame fellow Premier League title hopefuls Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in midweek.
According to The Sun, Klopp was initially prepared to sanction a temporary exit for the centre-back, but Williams is now set to stay following his breakthrough.
The report claims that Middlesbrough were one of several Championship clubs interested, but Klopp does not want Williams to leave on loan amid the defensive injury crisis at Anfield.
Williams has already pulled on the Liverpool jersey nine times in all competitions this season, and the youngster has also scored one goal in the current Premier League 2 campaign.
Ben Knapton
