Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed he would like to take more risks in the transfer market but doesn't always have the backing from club chiefs.
The Reds are on the hunt for a new central midfielder before Thursday's transfer deadline. They've lost Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to injury in recent weeks, with Curtis Jones only just making his return from a calf complaint.
Liverpool are unlikely to sign a central midfielder unless the right player becomes available. Although Klopp accepts that's the best approach to have in the market, he would like to take more gambles. The club's owners are renowned for being risk-averse investors.
Liverpool have been owned by John Henry's Fenway Sports Group (FSG) since the US-based company purchased the club from George Gillett and Tom Hicks in October 2010. They've won eight trophies during the last 12 years - including the Champions League and Premier League.
The Reds have made a number of frugal signings under FSG's ownership - including Jordan Henderson (£16million), Daniel Sturridge (£12m), Philippe Coutinho (£8.5m), James Milner (free), Sadio Mane (£30m), Andy Robertson (£10m) and Mohamed Salah (£36.7m).
Many of FSG's signings have been aged 25 or under, while they've also recuperated a lot of money by selling players. According to a CEIS Football Observatory report from February, Liverpool's net spend since 2012 was £297.8m. In comparison, Manchester United's net spend was £922.5m and Manchester City's was £844.4m.
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Henry appeared to give his approval for a new central midfielder during Saturday's record-equalling 9-0 win against Bournemouth. "John, we need a midfielder," a fan shouted at the owner while filming him. Henry turned to the supporter and gave a thumb's up. Despite this, it appears the club's owner isn't willing to take a risk in the market.
"Let me say it like this, from time to time, I would like to risk a bit more - but I don't decide that," admitted Klopp at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. "We have a great team and we will really try to squeeze everything out of this season."
Klopp added: "I am not careful, we get told what is possible and what isn't. That's it. In this range we try to work it. There's no criticism, we became champions in a season when we didn't sign anyone. We have an existing team as well. All the players we have here we want to be here. I want to develop the club, the squad and be successful."
Klopp has previously insisted Liverpool will only strike in the transfer market this week if the right player comes available, doubling down on his stance on Tuesday. He said: "Signing players never makes sense if they are not the right ones, why would you do that?"
It's believed Liverpool's primary central midfield target is Jude Bellingham, who is expected to stay at Borussia Dortmund for at least another season. It's believed Dortmund want at around £100m for the 15-cap England international, 19.
When asked which players Liverpool are interested in, Klopp said: "Are we after a midfielder? Ish. The closer we get to last minute... more likely [they won't come]. I couldn't [give you a name]. It's difficult because for sure there a few who are right, but there are different issues. [They are] at clubs who don't want to sell, that's how it is."
Klopp added: "There's still time but when it's over, whether someone signs or not, I am really happy as it's over and we can just focus on the squad we have. Face the situations we have together. Our fans are active on social media, so they can stop doing that. We have a good football team."
