Liverpool's Transfer Plans Hampered by Unimpressive Loan Move

Liverpool's attempts to sign Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand have been harmed by the club failing to fulfil their obligations with Victor Moses this season, reports suggest.

The Reds secured the services of Moses on transfer deadline day during the summer, fending off efforts from several other Premier League clubs to secure the Nigerian international on a season long loan.

Despite starting his first five games for the club, Moses has been handed a starting role in the league on just six occasions this season and was taken off at half time during Liverpool's 2-0 win over Oldham in the third round of the FA Cup along with Luis Alberto, as Brendan Rodgers introduced first team regulars Philippe Coutinho and Luis Alberto in order to seal the win.

A report in the Daily Mirror suggests Liverpool's decision to restrict Moses' time on the pitch could have a detrimental effect on their transfer plans this January. The Merseyside club have long been linked with a loan move for left back Bertrand, who now lies behind both Cesar Azpiliceuta and Ashley Cole in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

But the relationship between Liverpool and Chelsea is believed to have soured with the Blues unimpressed with their handling of the Moses loan deal.

Left back has been a problematic area for Rodgers this season. First choice option Jose Enrique is not expected to return to first team action until next month after undergoing knee surgery in November. Aly Cissokho, another brought in on loan by the club in the summer, has failed to impress at Anfield, with Rodgers often opting to use Daniel Agger, Mamadou Sakho or Jon Flanagan on the left hand side of his defence.

Bertrand meanwhile has struggled to make an impression at Joe Mourinho's Chelsea. The 24-year-old only has one start to his name this season – against Arsenal in the Capital One Cup – in addition to an appearance off the bench against Cardiff City, but he is likely to have his opportunities at Stamford Bridge further limited as the season progresses.