Klopp defends Flanagan loan

Cape Town - Jurgen Klopp has hit out at suggestions he was wrong to allow Jon Flanagan to join Burnley on a season-long loan.

The Reds have already spent close to £70m on some important signings, but have limited options at left-back.

Alberto Moreno is Klopp's first choice for the position, but he endured an uncomfortable time against Arsenal on the opening day of the new season, with only James Milner in the squad available as cover.

With Flanagan overcoming a long-term injury towards the end of last season, Klopp feels the player will be best served by getting as much game time as possible with the Clarets - something he would not be guaranteed on Merseyside.

Klopp explained: "It wasn’t a difficult decision to send Flanno on loan because it makes sense for him.

"After a long injury he needs the opportunity to play. In Flanno’s case we thought it makes absolute sense that he gets the opportunity to play at the highest level with Burnley. It’s all good for all sides."

Danny Ings, meanwhile, who joined the club from Burnley, looks set to be on his way out of Liverpool after Klopp indicated he too needs to be playing regularly, after injuring his knee in October.

He said: "I like Danny. I talked to him last week and said in my opinion it made more sense that he collects game time."