Incredible, Liverpool make last-minute bid for Chelsea star

Liverpool have made a last-minute attempt to sign a Chelsea star. Here's how that went.

Liverpool will likely end the transfer window without any new signings. The Reds weren't expected to make any, admittedly, despite clear and glaring gaps in the squad.

A new winger would have been nice, as long as he played on the right. Backup for Alexander Isak? Or maybe a midfielder. We're desperate for Liverpool to sign one of those.

Well, in the end they've gone for a Chelsea right-back. Fabrice Hawkins reports that Liverpool made a late offer for Malo Gusto but failed to get a deal over the line.

It's simply because Liverpool wanted a loan with absolutely no obligation to buy. Chelsea would only let him go permanently. In the end, the Reds lacked the financial means to get it done.

So Gusto remains with Chelsea and Liverpool won't sign anyone. That's the bitterly disappointing end to the transfer window - a failed attempt to sign a player no one really called for.

But it is an interesting one. Gusto is a right-back who can play in the middle - two things Liverpool need. Conor Bradley's awful injury could keep him out for the majority of the season and everyone has doubts over Jeremie Frimpong's suitability for the role.

Then there's the aforementioned need for a midfielder. Gusto could have offered defensive cover there and a new option.

It suggests Liverpool do see their need to sign a defensive player. It also suggests that the Bradley Barcola deal completely drained the coffers and now they lack money to sign anyone else in a proper deal.

Will that come back to bite them? We'll see this season but you've got to imagine it will.