Rhys Williams' return to Liverpool confirmed leaving Blackpool short on centre-backs amid Brentford, Burnley and Stoke City links

The centre-back was due to spend the season on loan with Blackpool, but his parent club have opted to recall him early.

According to reports, the 21-year-old is now expected to remain part of Jurgen Klopp’s first-team squad with fellow defender Nat Phillips potentially being sold before next week’s transfer deadline.

Williams made 17 appearances for the Seasiders, but hasn’t started a game for over a month.

The defender has predominantly been used as backup in recent weeks, with Marvin Ekpiteta and Jordan Thorniley the preferred choice in the centre of defence.

With Ekpiteta picking up what was thought to be a hamstring injury during the recent defeat to Watford, this leaves Mick McCarthy’s squad short on centre-backs.

A newcomer in that area of the pitch was already a priority for the Seasiders prior to Ekpiteta’s setback, with Burnley’s Luke McNally thought to be top of their list while Michael Appleton was still in post.

Since then, Aden Flint, of Stoke City, and Brentford defender Charlie Goode have also been strongly linked.

It remains to be seen whether Pool will bring in one or two centre-backs between now and the end of the January window, which closes in a week’s time.

Williams was one of six loanees on Blackpool’s books alongside Charlie Patino, Lewis Fiorini, Morgan Rogers, Josh Bowler and Ian Poveda.

Clubs in the EFL are permitted to sign as many loanees as they wish, but only five can be named in a match-day squad.