ARAUJO'S AGENT DEFERS DISCUSSION OF LIVERPOOL FUTURE

Ronald Araujo's agent said it was too early to discuss the defender's future at Liverpool. Eduardo, Araujo's agent, said: “Ronald is performing well, we are very happy with what he is offering. But it is still too early to talk about his future at the moment.” He said Araujo felt happy playing for Liverpool and helping his teammates. Araujo joined Liverpool on loan from Barcelona in August. Liverpool have an option to make the move permanent for £47 million.

Araujo has played in all 13 of Liverpool's games this season, starting 11. He has played at right-back and centre-back in Andoni Iraola's team. The Uruguayan has scored in Champions League victories over LASK and Villarreal. Liverpool beat Villarreal 4-3 in the more recent of those matches. Some Liverpool supporters have called for the club to take up its option to sign him permanently.

Speaking before the Villarreal match, Araujo described the attention he receives when he goes out in Liverpool. “I think people here, it's almost like they are more intense when you go down the street,” he said. He added that he enjoyed seeing how people in the city experienced football. His agent's comments gave no date for a decision on Araujo's future. The permanent transfer option remains available to Liverpool under the loan deal.