Tottenham in talks with Liverpool over signing defender Andy Robertson – and bringing to an end almost a decade at Anfield

Liverpool have received an approach from Tottenham for Andy Robertson, who is out of contract this summer.

Given the 31-year-old’s contract situation, his stated desire to resolve his future and Liverpool’s appreciation for the service he has given them, they have entered into preliminary discussions.

The club underline that these discussions are preliminary and no outcome has yet been reached.

Foremost in their thinking will be the best interests of Liverpool’s squad and for Robertson who has been an outstanding servant since 2017.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has lost Ben Davies to a broken ankle for the rest of the season, however, and the London club have decided to accelerate the move for the experienced Scotland international left back and talks are progressing at pace.

Spurs have just completed the singing of Souza, a 19-year-old left back from Santos in Brazil, who will be eligible to play at Burnley on Saturday if his international clearance and work permit comes through in time.

But there is no guarantee he can step seamlessly into Premier League football.

Frank’s squad has been devasted by injuries, the latest to Lucas Bergvall forcing him to finish Tuesday’s win against Borussia Dortmund with right back Pedro Porro alongside teenager Archie Gray in midfield.

Bergvall will be out for up to three months, the fifth injury in five games following Mohamed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Richarlison and Davies.

Richarlison is expected to be the first of them back but not until mid-March.

If they can add Robertson this month it will not only add cover but also vital experience and much-needed leadership to an immature squad of players.

Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham has spoken about the need for more leadership and quality in their recruitment and is keen to support Frank as he changes the club culture.