By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

16th Mar, 2023 | 5:57pm

Sources: Liverpool make decision on selling Diogo Jota after struggles

Diogo Jota remains a key part of Liverpool’s plans for next season despite suggestions his future at the club could be in doubt, sources have told Football Insider.

The Portuguese has endured an injury-hit campaign at Anfield, with a hamstring tear picked up in pre-season keeping him out until September before a serious calf problem sustained in October resulted in a further four-month a lay-off and the end of his World Cup dreams.

Jota has also struggled for form since returning to action in February, failing to find the back of the net once across eight appearances.

In fact, the striker is without a goal for the Reds since netting in a 2-2 draw at Manchester City in April of last year – a remarkable 11-month drought.

That poor return has not stopped rumours of interest from elsewhere emerging, with Newcastle United recently reported to be eyeing up a £60m bid this summer.

However, Football Insider understands that any such attempts to prise Jota away from Anfield this summer would be flatly turned down by Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp is counting on the Portugal international to play an important role as he looks to turn things around after a season to forget on Merseyside.

It is hoped the 26-year-old will be able to rediscover his previously prolific form after putting his injury woes behind him.

And he is considered a key figure in a new-look attack that has been built in recent windows with the additions of Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.

Rather than tweaking their front line, Liverpool’s focus this summer is instead on bolstering a midfield that will be thinned by the departures of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita on free transfers.

James Milner could also depart at the end of his contract but a late decision on a further one-year extension is yet to be ruled out.

In other news, Liverpool hit by devastating new blow.