Jurgen Klopp told to keep hold of one Liverpool player at all costs this transfer window

Liverpool must keep hold of Dejan Lovren this summer because he provides quality cover at centre-back.

That's the opinion of former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor, who says the Croatian defender looked good alongside PFA Player of the Year Virgil van Dijk last season.

Lovren fell down the pecking order following Van Dijk's introduction, as Klopp favoured partnering Joe Gomez and Joel Matip with the Dutchman.

The centre-back has subsequently been linked with a transfer away from Anfield this summer, but Mellor reckons the Reds would be wrong to part company with the defender because of his importance to the squad.

Liverpool have been instructed to keep hold of Dejan Lovren (Getty Images)

"I think he is a player that benefited with [Virgil] van Dijk's arrival," Mellor told American Gambler.

"Whoever has partnered Van Dijk, Lovren being one of them, they have all looked great playing alongside him.

Lovren is best pals with Mohamed Salah at Liverpool (PA)

"I know that he has found himself out of the team because of how well [Joel] Matip has played in the second half of the season.

"As a third or fourth choice centre-back, I don't think Liverpool should be in a hurry to get rid of him because of the cover that he provides in that position."