Liverpool will refuse to sell Divock Origi to Newcastle on the cheap during this month’s transfer window.
The Magpies are one of several clubs - alongside West Ham and as many as three Serie A sides - to have been linked with a move for the Belgian striker.
Origi has struggled for game time since arriving on Merseyside almost eight years ago but has become a cult hero with the Kop for his knack of scoring crucial goals in big games.
The 26-year-old bagged a brace in the Reds’ historical 4-0 semi-final victory against Barcelona in 2019 and sealed the Champions League win with a goal against Spurs in the final.
Sky Sports' Transfer Talk show claimed that Jurgen Klopp would be willing to let Origi leave Anfield for less than £10million, a fee that would instantly spark interest from top-flight clubs.
The Liverpool Echo now contradict these claims, stating the Reds would be willing to risk losing him for nothing in the summer rather than sell him for a cut-price deal now.
Mo Salah and Sadio Mane jet off on African Cup of Nations duty - meaning Origi may be required on Merseyside to help fill the short-term void.
Liverpool have also noted how much Newcastle have paid for 31-year-old Kieran Trippier - a fee in the region of £12million plus add ons - so know they could squeeze a few extra pounds out of the Toon’s mega-rich owners given their desperate situation.
