With the January transfer window on the horizon, it seemed as though the focus was more on a player possibly leaving Liverpool than a potential new one coming in.

Not long ago, it was reported by the Sunday Mirror (via Liverpool Echo 16:58) that new Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard was interested in signing Reds defender Joe Gomez during the upcoming transfer window.

However, it now seems as though there has been a development in the story which will have a lot of Liverpool fans buzzing.

What's the latest?

According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, Villa do not have an interest in signing Gomez in January, despite apparently aiming to strengthen their squad in January.

With this in mind, even though the centre-back has only played 13 minutes of Premier League action so far this season and has been out for the past few weeks with a calf injury, it will still be a big relief for everyone at the Merseyside club that he now isn't likely to join Villa.

Since joining the Reds back in 2015 from Charlton Athletic in a reported £3.5m move, Gomez has made 128 appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side across all competitions, winning the Premier League and Champions League along the way.

Despite his lack of minutes in the Premier League so far this season, the 24-year-old - who is currently valued at £27m by Transfermarkt - has played the full 90 minutes in both of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup matches and one of their Champions League group games, winning all of three of them and keeping two clean sheets in the process, highlighting his defensive capabilities and reliability when called upon.

Also, the Londoner ranks second in Klopp's squad for clearances and headers per game in the Carabao Cup, illustrating the capabilities he brings to the side when he features.

Moving forward, while Gomez may find it difficult to get regular playing time in the league this season ahead of the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate, who have all made more appearances in the top flight, it would certainly be better to have the Englishman at their disposal in the squad than to let him join another club, especially a direct Premier League competitor.

However, with January around the corner, Liverpool must hope that no other clubs come sniffing around for Gomez in that time.

In other news: Liverpool handed double injury boost ahead of Wolves clash, Klopp will be delighted