Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida emerged as a transfer target for Liverpool this January.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has spoken out for the first time about his side’s attempt at signing Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida during the latter stages of the January transfer window.

The defending Premier League champions have been beset by defensive injuries in recent weeks, with full-back duo Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong both sidelined at the present moment in time.

In response, the Reds sought to a seal a fairly complicated agreement that would have taken Geertruida from the Stadium of Light to Anfield before Monday’s transfer deadline. The versatile Dutchman is currently on loan in the North East from RB Leipzing, with Sunderland retaining the option to complete a permanent deal for the player at the end of the season.

Consequently, any prospective Liverpool swoop for Geertruida would have had to be greenlit by the Black Cats, but with limited time and opportunity for a suitable replacement to be found, the 25-year-old’s exit was not sanctioned.

What has Liverpool boss Arne Slot said about Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida?

And now, Liverpool boss Slot, who worked with Geertruida at Feyenoord earlier in his career, has spoken openly about the issues his side faced in their defensive recruitment drive this winter.

The Reds did wrap up a £60 million for highly-rated French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, but with the player not set to arrive on Merseyside until the summer, Slot has admitted that he wanted more options besides - including Geertruida.

Speaking in a press conference, he said: "I think I've said that we've tried to strengthen the squad, so that probably tells you [I wanted players] and I don't think I was the only one who wanted that. But it's always about availability and the right player.

"We do have discussions about what is good for the short and for the long term of the club and now, for example, Jeremy Jacquet wasn't available for the winter, but he was for the summer. We've made a decision to sign him because we think he's a really good signing for the future of this club. I'm very happy with the squad. Let that be clear. But it's all clear and obvious, that we have three long-term injuries [Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Alexander Isak].

"That's why we've tried to strengthen the squad in winter break and the player you mentioned [Geertruida], in the end, wasn't available. But we've tried to strengthen the squad - that is clear. And that tells you that we think that it would have helped us. But it should be possible that we're not gonna sign players that are not good enough to play for this club."

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

What has Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris said about Lutsharel Geertruida?

For his part, when asked about Geertruida during a recent press conference, Sunderland boss Le Bris said: “We’ve had many conversations. I think we were honest and really well connected all the way through. When the deadline was finished and over, he accepted the decision. I think he is ready to play for Sunderland. I don’t have any worries about him being okay from now on.”

Your next Sunderland read: Regis Le Bris opens up on Nilson Angulo move and reveals what impressed him from Anderlecht analysis