'Unbelievable' star has stance on Liverpool move confirmed

Liverpool still have a couple of months until the January transfer window is open.

This means that Andoni Iraola and Julian Ward still have a while to decide which areas of their squad that they want to focus on improving.

At the moment, it looks like their midfield is in the most need of some TLC but, with how quickly football changes, that might not be the case by the time the window opens up.

Because, by then, several injuries could have occurred or, someone such as Ryan Gravenberch may have finally figured out how to win a tackle.

But, until the window is upon us, the rumour mill is going to go into overdrive and now, the stance of one long-term Liverpool target has been shared.

Jules Kounde doesn't want to leave Barcelona unless his playing time dwindles

One of the main positions that Liverpool needed to upgrade last summer was their right-back.

Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley both spent more time on the side-lines than they did playing and, while the former of the two tried to make his way back into the Reds' starting XI, it's clear that he wasn't cut out to be a Premier League right-back.

Although his lightning quick speed was often a sight to behold, he could hardly defend and, even though his attacking prowess was a major part of his game for Bayer Leverkusen, his crosses often barely made it past the first man when playing for the Reds.

This lack of form and availability almost forced Liverpool into bringing a new right-back in which is why Ronald Araujo was signed.

Since then, the Uruguayan has locked down the right-back spot at Anfield but, since his deal is only a season-long loan, his future is still undecided.

Therefore, Liverpool have been linked with multiple new right-backs and, according to Ekrem Konur, Jules Kounde will only consider exiting the Camp Nou if his playing time under Hansi Flick drops massively.

"Liverpool made enquiries for Jules Koundé, but the defender immediately rejected the idea," he wrote.

"Despite reduced role, has no intention of leaving Barcelona.

"Win back his place in the starting XI. Only a lack of minutes could change that.

"Not willing to sell for a low fee."

Jules Kounde is a very similar player to Ronald Araujo

Araujo and Kounde are more or less the same player.

Each of them play for Barcelona and both of their natural positions are centre-back.

However, with the way that the recruitment has gone at Barcelona over the last few years, some central defenders have been pushed to become full-backs.

And, now that Kounde and Araujo have played in that position for so long, they perform fairly naturally as full-backs too.

Since both defenders play for Barcelona, the La Liga outfit are likely to demand a large fee.

Araujo's option to buy for Liverpool is worth around £47 million while Kounde would probably set them back around £60 million.

Obviously, both sums of money are a lot for two players who are turning 28 soon but, if Iraola wants to add defensive solidity to his ranks, he's going to struggle to find anyone better than them, especially since Kounde has been dubbed an "unbelievable" player in the past.

Here's hoping that clarity around the whole situation is shared soon.