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Slot: We have needed Jones in our midfield
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is pleased with the contributions of Curtis Jones after the midfielder had been linked with a move away in recent transfer windows.
He has 18 months left on his current deal, and Slot adds there's no updates on a new contract yet.
He said: "Curtis has played a lot of minutes, but he's also 'unlucky' in the sense it's the only line where we haven't had injuries.
"That's of course why we kept in because we have a lot of players in that line, but we need these midfielders in different positions as well.
"When you start doing that, the line in midfield gets smaller and smaller.
"His situation hasn't changed to us. He's one of the 16 outfield players we have available for the long-term now and with two young players in Trey and Rio included.
"It would be a bit strange if we let anyone go if we only have 16 available.
"Talks [on a new contract] are not taking place over here, they're taking place in other places in this building.
"The moment we have any news, we'll share it over here.
"We as a club are away and he is aware that there is only a year and a half years left. That's all I can say about it."
Slot on succession planning for Van Dijk exit
Liverpool boss Arne Slot says the club are being sensible and planning for life without Virgil Van Dijk - but that does not mean he will not stay beyond his current deal.
The Reds captain has 18 months left on his contract and turns 35 in July.
When asked about Van Dijk's future, Slot said: "Everything that is done here is never from panic, always from long-term idea or something that has been thought about for a long time by not only one person but multiple persons.
"Of course, we're aware of the fact that Virgil will not play for this club 10 more years but he has one and a half year contract left so he will be with us for that period of time - maybe even longer.
"If he keeps staying as fit as he is now - what a compliment to him at his age to play every three days, not only for his club but also his country, for seven or eight months already, hopefully he can stay as fit as he is for multiple years...
"But this club, we're not stupid, we know somewhere in the upcoming years there is life for this club without Virgil.
"I can say this for every position, this club is not only thinking about short term future but also mid to long term future and the decisions we make."
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Nketiah to West Ham failed due to injury
Crystal Palace had agreed a 27m deal in principle to sell Eddie Nketiah to West Ham, only for injury to pull the plug on the move, The Sun reports.
The striker picked up a hamstring injury in training and the deal was called off.
The Athletic adds that a separate deal for Callum Wilson to join Crystal Palace had also been on the cards. The Eagles did end up signing striker Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves on Deadline Day.
But Nketiah's failed move is another January window blow for the club after a deal for Dwight McNeil did not go through in time and Jean-Philippe Mateta's move to AC Milan was called off due to a knee issue.
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Why February 5 is another key deadline
Premier League clubs have to register their new squad for the final part of the league campaign by Thursday February 5.
That is significant for any players who are free agents once the window closes, with the likes of Raheem Sterling still looking for a club.
Unless they move abroad, they must have a club by today otherwise they will not be able to register to play in Premier League games for the remainder of the season.
The only exception is if a club does not use all their 25 spaces when they register their squad on February 5. They can then add free agents up until the fourth Thursday in March.
