Borussia Dortmund have reiterated their refusal to sell Christian Pulisic during the January transfer window amid reported interest from Liverpool and Chelsea.
The USA international is expected to leave the German club in summer 2019 having seen negotiations over a new deal break down.
Pulisic could also leave on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract in 2020 if Dortmund opt against selling him on for a fee next year.
Various reports have suggested the Bundesliga leaders would be prepared to agree a £70million deal for his services in January – on the condition that he stays put until the end of the season.
Sporting director Michael Zorc has now reaffirmed the club’s desire to retain Pulisic beyond the mid-season window.
“We will not sell a player in winter who’s essential to us achieving our sporting aims, of course,” Zorc told Sport-Bild. “That’s a matter of fact.”
“I strongly expect Christian will still be wearing the BVB jersey in February.”
SEE MORE:
‘Unsettled’ midfielder to hold talks over potential Liverpool return
Jurgen Klopp has been tipped to act on his long-term admiration for Pulisic following their brief time together during the latter stages of his time in charge at Dortmund.
The Liverpool boss famously saw an £11million bid rejected for a then-teenage Pulisic back in 2016 and has since been regularly linked to a renewed approach.
Despite predominantly plying his trade as a wide-man in Germany, the 20-year-old has been marketed as an ideal option to fill the Reds’ central playmaker void.
He has, however, seen his opportunities limited so far this season, with Jadon Sancho and Jacob Bruun Larsen often being favoured in the roles either side of Marco Reus.