With the January transfer window rapidly closing, Fabrizio Romano has provided a new insight into Liverpool’s search for defensive cover at right-back.

The Reds currently find themselves short of options in that position. Injuries to both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong have left Arne Slot with Calvin Ramsay as the only recognised senior right-back available, and the club has less than three days to address the issue before the transfer deadline on Monday night.

Earlier this week, reports from The Athletic suggested that Liverpool were unlikely to move for a short-term solution. However, Romano hinted that a late move could still be considered if the right opportunity presented itself.

Liverpool Make Initial Contact Over Denzel Dumfries

Speaking on his YouTube channel late on Friday, Romano revealed that Liverpool have made informal contact with Inter Milan to ask about the availability and condition of Denzel Dumfries. While the enquiry confirms Liverpool are monitoring the situation, a deal this month remains highly improbable.

According to Romano, Liverpool and Inter maintain a strong working relationship, which allowed for direct club-to-club discussions. During those talks, the Reds sought clarity on Dumfries’ fitness and contractual situation.

The Dutch international reportedly has a release clause valued between €20m and €25m, but that clause is only active during the summer window, not in January. Liverpool were also informed that Dumfries is currently sidelined with an injury and is expected to be unavailable for roughly two to three weeks.

Crucially, no formal bid has been submitted, and no negotiations have begun.

Loan Option Unlikely as Inter Stand Firm

Romano added that if Liverpool were to seriously consider Dumfries at this stage, it would likely be on a loan basis due to their current injury crisis. However, Inter Milan have no interest in sanctioning a temporary move for the 29-year-old defender.

As things stand, discussions have gone no further than basic enquiries, and there is no active pursuit underway.

Summer Target Rather Than January Fix?

Based on Romano’s update, Liverpool appear unlikely to bring in a new right-back before the deadline. Dumfries may instead be viewed as a possible option for the summer, should circumstances allow.

While the Inter defender brings vast experience at both club and international level, concerns remain. His age, combined with an ankle injury that has kept him out since November, raises questions about whether he would be the ideal long-term solution for a position that has caused Liverpool persistent problems this season.

Frimpong has already suffered multiple injury setbacks since arriving last summer, while Bradley is now ruled out for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign. Slot confirmed on Friday that Frimpong will be unavailable for several weeks.

In the short term, the Liverpool boss may have no choice but to rely on Ramsay, deploy Joe Gomez once he returns from injury, or continue using midfielders in an unfamiliar defensive role — an approach he has already turned to frequently this season.

With time running out, Liverpool must either act quickly or hope their injury list doesn’t grow any longer as the campaign progresses.