Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard told Nottingham Forest full-back Neco Williams live on TNT Sport that he is needed at Anfield.
The cheeky comment came after the 25-year-old Welsh international won a penalty during Forest's 2-2 draw on Saturday afternoon, with Liverpool's new manager still searching for a first competitive victory.
Gerrard, who made 710 appearances for Liverpool during his career, made the remark while presenter Lynsey Hipgrave questioned Williams about his transfer future on television. Question marks currently hang over the quality of Liverpool's existing full-backs, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.
"We need full-back cover here," Gerrard told the former Liverpool academy graduate during the broadcast.
The comment triggered a polite laugh from Williams, who insisted his immediate focus remains entirely on Nottingham Forest.
"Listen every day I'm focused on the badge I'm wearing right now and that's Forest and that's all I can do," Williams said. "Of course it's nice to see that teams are showing interest but at the end of the day I'm a Forest player and I am focused on what I'm doing here."
Transfer interest mounts for Forest defender
Williams has established himself as a standout performer at full-back in the Premier League over the past two seasons, with his strong displays attracting mounting interest from rival clubs.
Daily Mail Sport previously reported earlier in the transfer window that Williams features on a list of transfer targets for Manchester United. Newcastle United are also admirers of the defender.
Similar exchange involving Newcastle and Man United
Gerrard's impromptu comment followed a similar live television interaction involving Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle and former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.
Schmeichel, who made 398 appearances during his playing career at Old Trafford, questioned Newcastle's manager about left-back Lewis Hall after Manchester United made enquiries for the defender earlier this summer.
"We are looking at your left back," Schmeichel cheekily remarked to the Newcastle boss.
Jaissle emphatically shut down the suggestion, chuckling as he replied, "No chance, no chance."
Addressing Newcastle's squad situation, Jaissle acknowledged that further transfer activity could occur before the deadline. "I think it will be a stressful period for the sporting director, because we have some needs," Jaissle said. "But if we bring players in maybe there will also be some players who go out."
