Liverpool in talks to extend Rhian Brewster and Harry Wilson loans

Liverpool are in discussions to extend the deals of players they have sent on loan to ensure they stay with their clubs until the end of the season.

One of the complications caused by the suspension of football is the difficulties fixing a date for players to end their temporary arrangements.

In normal circumstances, the season would already be complete, with loaned players returning to the payroll of their parent club in time for pre-season training in July.

Now the Premier League season is sure to be ongoing beyond this month, technically it means the likes of Harry Wilson, currently at Bournemouth, and Rhian Brewster, who moved to Swansea City for an initial six month loan in January, are expected back at Melwood.

Clearly that is in no one’s interest so long as the players and clubs are willing and able to persist with their existing agreements.

Talks are proceeding to enable the duo to remain where they are until the 2019-20 campaign is over, which would maintain the integrity of the competition in the push to stay in the Premier League, or to make the play-offs in the Championship.

Liverpool midfielder Marco Grujic is on loan at Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, where there will be a similar arrangement.

Manager Jürgen Klopp led his players back to Anfield for the first time since the lockdown on Monday, hosting a training session in the deserted arena.

It was an opportunity for the side to become accustomed to the eerie setting of Anfield without spectators, something they will have to adjust to in the coming weeks and months.

Meanwhile, as expected, Liverpool have confirmed they will not start their kit deal with new manufacturers Nike until the start of August, ensuring their new strip will not be worn until the 2020-21 season.

The contract with New Balance is ending and the delay to the season finale complicated matters since the current manufacturers inevitably anticipated their branding to be prominent if or when the players receive the Premier League title, especially since those images will be so historic and posted around the world.

There was never an expectation Nike would take over before the end of the existing season.