But The Times claim that such a deal is not expected to proceed. Liverpool were ready to sanction a move and the 25-year-old versatile defender was prepared to swap clubs in January.

But Sunderland are not willing to terminate his loan at such short notice, with little time to find a replacement in the window.

TalkSPORT report that Liverpool were offered the chance to sign Geertruida, but a decision has been made that it is not viable to bring him in.

Geertruida has played 17 times in the Premier League this season and was previously on Liverpool’s radar when he endured a frustrating spell in the Bundesliga, following a £17m move from Feyenoord.

He is not thought to be the only player on Liverpool’s shortlist as they desperately try to add numbers to Slot’s defence before Monday’s transfer deadline, which closes at 7pm.

Slot revealed that Liverpool were working on additions after their 4-1 win over Newcastle. He said: “I think we are trying to strengthen the squad and not trying to weaken it. But yeah, 48 hours to go. Let’s see where the window ends up.”

The Dutchman’s response was to a question about Curtis Jones’ future, with the English midfielder linked to Inter Milan this week.

Slot added: “I think there’s always a lot of talk about Liverpool and a lot of talks about Liverpool players.

“There was a lot of noise around the club in the last week – maybe I should say weeks – but I think our fans showed today what noise really means. That’s being loud, because they were so helpful today. That is what noise is here in Liverpool.”