By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

1st Sep, 2023 | 4:50pm

Sources: Liverpool block Bobby Clark move to Derby County - Klopp wants him in first XI

Liverpool are set to keep Bobby Clark at Anfield this season despite interest from Derby County and other clubs, sources have told Football Insider.

The Rams have shown interest in taking the 18-year-old on loan this season, but Jurgen Klopp has stepped in to stop his departure.

The Reds boss is keen to keep Clark at the club and integrate him into the Liverpool first team this season.

Clark made his debut for Liverpool last season in their 9-0 win over Bournemouth in August.

He also featured for 66 minutes in Liverpool’s League Cup third-round clash against Derby in November.

The young midfielder also made 32 appearances for Liverpool’s youth side last season, scoring twice and registering four assists in the process.

Despite signing the likes of Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to bolster his midfield, Klopp still believes that Clark can play an important role in his squad.

Football Insider revealed on Thursday (31 August) that Bayern Munich star Ryan Gravenberch is also set to join the Merseyside club after a £34.2million deal was agreed between the two parties.

Liverpool were forced to rebuild their midfield this summer after losing Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner.

Klopp is yet to include Clark in a matchday squad this season, but the German manager intends to introduce him as part of his midfield rotation.

Clark joined Liverpool’s youth system in 2021 after stints at the academies of Newcastle United and Birmingham City.

In other news, Liverpool explore ‘sensational’ late Leroy Sane deal