The Reds made bringing in a new centre-back a top priority this summer with Southampton ace Virgil Van Dijk earmarked as their No.1 target.

But Saints refused to do business with Liverpool after accusing them of tapping the 26-year-old Holland international up and he stayed at St. Mary's.

Molby believes Jurgen Klopp made a mistake not being more flexible when it became apparent getting a deal over the line for Van Dijk would be impossible.

Writing for the Liverpool Echo, Molby said: "The club went strong for Virgil van Dijk and was prepared to pay a world record fee for a defender.

"Yet when the window closed we had strengthened in every position apart from centre-half. Like most fans, I struggle to understand that.

"Was Van Dijk really the only defender who would have improved this team? I refuse to believe that was the case.

"Of course some weren't for sale but part of scouting is finding players. I wonder about the boy Davinson Sanchez, who went to Spurs from Ajax.

"Why didn't we show any interest in him? I still think we're a more attractive proposition than Spurs. It makes you wonder sometimes."

Meanwhile, Liverpool play host to Sean Dyche’s Burnley at Anfield on Saturday.

Klopp’s team sit seventh, a place behind the Clarets, going into the clash.