Liverpool transfer news: Christian Pulisic and Jamaal Lascelles staying put while Reds monitor Serie A striker

A round-up of the potential ins and outs at Anfield

Pulisic is quickly becoming one of European football's hottest prospects (Getty )

Liverpool have been issued a warning not to “waste their time” on Christian Pulisic as Borussia Dortmund are not willing to sell the midfielder.

Pulisic is highly rated by Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp who has already tried to dip back into his old club to sign the USA international.

Despite having an £11million bid rejected for the tricky winger last season, The Liverpool Echo reports that the Reds are still keen on signing the Dortmund wonderkid.

“We have communicated very clearly that we won’t sell Christian and that he’s very much part of our plans,” Zorc explained to Bild.

“Liverpool don’t need to waste their time.”

Liverpool are expected to be active in the upcoming January transfer window as Klopp may feel the need to freshen up his exciting attacking contingent.

With Sadio Mane off to the African Cup of Nations in January and injuries to Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge, the Reds might need reinforcements to maintain their title charge after the turn of the year.

Liverpool could make a move for French striker Gregoire Defrel next month in a bid to solve their crisis up front.

Defrel has been linked with Premier League interest after an impressive season with Serie A club, Sassuolo, for whom the forward has scored seven goals in 19 games.

Defrel struggled to make an impression in the Italian top tier after a quiet spell at Cesena but after making the move to Sassuolo in 2015 the forward seems to have finally found his feet.

The Liverpool Echo understands that the 25-year-old is being monitored by the Reds and West Ham with Slaven Bilic reportedly a big admirer of the Frenchman.

Defral has also scored twice in the Europa League this season during the club’s 3-0 victory over Atletico Bilbao and in their 2-2 draw with Rapid Vienna.

Defrel's form has been a major highlight in struggling Sassuolo's season (Getty ) (Getty)

Rafa Benitez believes that Liverpool target Jamaal Lascelles will not leave St.James Park for his former club in the January transfer window.

The Daily Express reports that Liverpool and Chelsea are both interested in the Newcastle captain and could battle for his signature next month after some commanding performances in the Championship this season.

Liverpool sent scouts to watch Lascelles during Newcastle’s 4-0 win over Birmingham last weekend as the club see the former England Under-21 international as a possible option to solve their defensive problems.

Benitez, however, doesn’t see either club being able to lure his talisman away from Tyneside.

“I saw the links, but I have been talking with Jamaal and with more people around him,” Benitez said.

“He’s happy, he’s OK. We think that he’s a good player for us, so I don’t see any big change in January around him, or anyone really.”