Jurgen Klopp insists there is no rush to tie Adam Lallana down to a new contract as reports gather pace that the England international is close to agreeing a fresh deal.
Lallana has emerged as a key component of Klopp's XI at Anfield having initially struggled under previous manager Brendan Rodgers.
Reports this week suggested that Lallana, whose deal expires in 2019, is set to pen terms until 2021 that will make him the club's second highest earner.
Klopp was non-committal when asked how close Liverpool were to agreeing terms, but did recognise Lallana's importance to the Reds.
"Adam is a very important player for us," said Klopp.
"He already has a pretty long contract.
"How close is a new one? We don't talk about this. It says nothing about his importance if we are negotiating or not.
"We have to talk to the player, the agents and then, when something is decided, we will inform you."
Lallana (tight muscle) missed training ahead of Saturday's visit of Tottenham, while late checks will be made on Dejan Lovren (knee) and Ragnar Klavan (illness).
Klopp also reacted angrily after it was put to him that Loris Korius will start in goal ahead of Simon Mignolet, as questions continue to be asked of Liverpool's goalkeepers.
"Who said I've decided?" He added. "It's a rumour. I haven't decided.
"Whoever told you [the media] I had changed number one, please delete him from your contact list.
"There is nothing to say about it. It's not right that anyone could have this information."
