Andy Robertson‘s proposed move to Tottenham appears to be dead in the water, with the defender now expected to stay at Liverpool. Last week, it was reported that Spurs had reached out to discuss a potential January swoop for the Scotland international. They initially wanted to sign Robertson on a free transfer in the summer, but accelerated their interest due to a mounting injury crisis.

Talks were said to have been progressing smoothly with Liverpool asking for a modest transfer fee of around £5million. It seemed like the move was going to get over the line, but a fresh development suggests it won’t go ahead after all. The situation has been complicated by Liverpool needing to secure a replacement for Robertson until the end of the season.

They were initially planning to recall Kostas Tsimikas from his loan at Roma to fill the void. However, that has not been possible because it would require Roma’s agreement and they have been unable to land a replacement, according to The Athletic.

As a result, Liverpool are currently unwilling to sanction Robertson’s move to Tottenham. Talks with Roma are thought to be ongoing, but time is running out to find a resolution with only seven days until the January window slams shut.

Tottenham believed that a deal was agreed in principle for the move to happen after Liverpool’s game against Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

However, the north Londoners have always been aware that any successful transfer would be dependent on the Reds replacing Robertson in their squad.

The defender, whose contract expires in the summer, has not been agitating for a move and showed his professionalism by featuring against Bournemouth over the weekend.

Arne Slot was quizzed on the possibility of Robertson leaving the club after the final whistle, saying: “I think I need all of my players.”

He added: “I thought, let’s bring Robbo in at half-time to make sure Milos [Kerkez] stays available for the rest of the season, because there are a lot of games to be played with the players that are available.”

Asked directly about Liverpool’s plans for the rest of the transfer window, Slot replied: “No updates in terms of transfers. I never speak in public about transfers. There’s nothing to say on my side.”

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank gave a similar response when quizzed on the prospect of signing Robertson, saying: “Just on that one, in general as you don’t know me that well, I don’t speak about players that are not in the club, except Ronaldo and Messi.”