Joe Gomez interest sparks Liverpool into new contract offer to put off quartet of suitors

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is reportedly set to be offered a new contract amid interest from a quartet of Premier League clubs.

The England defender has been linked with a number of clubs after failing to win a regular starting spot this season, with the likes of Newcastle, Tottenham, Leicester and West Ham all rumoured to be looking to strike a deal.

However, the Liverpool Echo states the versatile centre-back is likely to be handed a new deal to stay put.

Gomez has largely figured at right-back when he has played for the Reds this term. However, his preference remains to play as a central defender.

But with Trent Alexander-Arnold nailed down as Jurgen Klopp’s starter at right-back and Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate ahead of him in the centre-back stakes it was thought that Gomez would look to move on this summer.

Indeed, the former Charlton man still wants a return to the England duty for the Qatar World Cup. However, he is fully aware that to do that he must be playing regularly.

That is where talk of an exit emanated from, with Aston Villa originally the favourites for a deal.

According to the Echo, Liverpool’s thought process around keeping Gomez boils down to his versatility.

Keeping the 24-year-old means Liverpool do not have to buy a backup for Alexander-Arnold. But his adaptability also means he can play centrally if required.

Indeed, Gomez was outstanding deputising for Alexander-Arnold in the 1-0 win at Newcastle last month.

In total he played 141 times for the Reds and is yet to score his first goal.

Gomez staying put will come as big blow to Newcastle in particular. Indeed, Eddie Howe wants to strengthen his backline next summer.

The defender was earmarked to make the switch to St James’