Liverpool constantly 'watch the market' but Jürgen Klopp has explained how the club's transfer plans are based on long-term thinking rather than reactionary decisions.

The Reds have suffered a number of recent injury setbacks, with Philippe Coutinho forced off in the first half of Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland due to an ankle issue.

Adam Lallana has missed the past two games with a groin problem, Daniel Sturridge is currently not in training because of a calf complaint, and Danny Ings will be out for the rest of the season.

But as he previewed the EFL Cup quarter-final clash with Leeds United, the manager outlined why there will be no deviation from the ongoing process of recruitment at Melwood.

“We have a few hours’ training a day, but I’m absolutely much longer here than for training,” Klopp told reporters.

“So in all this time we do different things and a few of these things is to watch the market, watch what happens around, scouting, look at players, promising players from leagues you cannot watch too often. That’s what we do all the time.

“That doesn’t mean we can take one, but only to be informed, to know about development and strength, whatever. That’s what we do.

“That’s preparation for a situation which could – could – be in the next transfer window.”

Asked if Coutinho’s injury might mean Liverpool choose to reinforce the squad in January, the boss replied: “Actually I thought before about it, but it doesn’t mean that we do it.

“We have to think about it all the time to prepare the situation. We have already prepared the summer, that’s how it is. We spoke about a camp, we organised a camp for the summer and all that stuff.

“Of course, transfers will be done or not. If we have another few injuries or not, we will see. Maybe a few young lads now take the chance because of injuries of other players, so then we don’t think about it anymore.

“It’s not to make a transfer, it’s only if we think the team needs another player, the squad needs another player. Then I think we will do it. If not, then not.”