Liverpool complete first piece of summer business as future England star signs deal

As the summer transfer window creeps ever closer, Liverpool's focus will to turn to strengthening their midfield options.

Since withdrawing from the race to sign Jude Bellingham, Jurgen Klopp has reportedly identified a number of potential alternatives.

But while the Reds' midfield is an area in desperate need of attention, the club's first piece of summer business is set to come in defence.

Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah has signed a new contract at Anfield, following a successful loan spell at Bristol Rovers.

The news caps off a week to remember for the 20-year-old after he was named in the England under-20 World Cup squad.

Indeed, 'the sky is the limit' for Quansah, or at least that's the opinion of Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton, who has waxed lyrical about the young defender.

What did he say?

Speaking about Quansah earlier this year, Barton said: "The sky's the limit for him, he can be whatever he wants.

"Jurgen Klopp doesn't feel the way he feels about you, training with the first team, unless you're a good player," added the former Newcastle and Manchester City midfielder.

Quansah has been in Liverpool's academy since the age of five, having captained the Reds' under-18 side which reached the FA Cup final two years ago.

He has since been named as a substitute for three senior matches under Klopp, though he is yet to make a first team appearance.

Only time will tell whether Quansah is able to make the step up to the Premier League, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahim Konate and Joe Gomez all currently ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, the Liverpool boss will be able to assess him in pre-season training. While Quansah has the chance to impress on the global stage for the Young Lions, as he prepares for his first major international tournament in Argentina.