Liverpool make Andy Robertson U-turn after latest development

Andy Robertson has faced speculation about his long-term future at Liverpool in recent weeks but remains an integral part of the team.

Arne Slot's side beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Anfield, finally putting an end to their four-game run of defeats in the Premier League and easing growing concerns.

While it was far from a comfortable or dominant performance at home, a much-need clean sheet has provided some respite during what was a turbulent spell.

Robertson replaced Milos Kerkez in the starting XI against Aston Villa, and played 90 minutes in a key role, providing experience in a tight Liverpool defence.

This comes after Football Insider revealed in September that Robertson and Kerkez will be rotated for Liverpool with the former still set to play an important role.

Liverpool plan to extend Andy Robertson's contract

Football Insider revealed on 28 October that Liverpool have not yet agreed terms with Robertson, but remain hopeful of extending his contract.

Following his performance against Aston Villa, there is now a growing feeling that he will remain a key player under Slot, with talks expected to step up.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Reds are keen to extend the 31-year-old's stay beyond the end of the season.

"Robertson is still an important player for Liverpool," he told Football Insider.

"When they're playing well, it's easy to talk about the likes of Mohamed Salah or the other attacking players who usually grab the headlines.

"But since he came in to Liverpool, Robertson has been just as big a part of the success they have had over a number of years and even last season.

"I understand why they decided to sign Kerkez, because he was fantastic for Bournemouth.

"He's seen as the long-term replacement for Robertson given time, but they seemed to rush it a bit, putting him straight in and taking Robertson out.

"Now, he's struggled a bit, and Robertson has come back into the side and showed once again he can be a reliable option for them despite their recent struggles.

"He's coped well with their dip in form, which is very much to his credit, and Liverpool will certainly have taken note about how important he is in that side.

"In terms of his contract, I'd be very surprised if they were willing to let him leave now.

"He has showed once again how important he is there, and even if he is slowly phased out and replaced by Kerkez, they'll want to do that over a couple of seasons, not immediately."

European giants plotting moves to sign Robertson

Given the Scotland international's contract situation at Anfield, a number of top clubs across Europe have been placed on alert with the possibility of a free transfer in mind.

Atletico Madrid were interested in Robertson during the summer, but failed to get a deal over the line, and had been tipped to reignite their interest in the mid-season window.

However, Football Insider revealed on 17 October that Robertson is unlikely to leave Liverpool in the January transfer window given his role in the side.

Meanwhile, Celtic have joined the race for Robertson, although it is highly unlikely that he will make the move up to Scotland despite his links with the Hoops.

Plans are being put in place to extend the left-back's deal, particularly after his recent displays, and there are hopes he will put pen to paper.

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