Jose Enrique: Liverpool defender told he no longer needs to attend training

The 30-year-old Spaniard has been informed that he is free to plan his next move

(Getty)

Jose Enrique has been granted permission to find a new club by Liverpool after a five-year stay on Merseyside.

The 30-year-old left-back, who has made just three senior appearances this season, has been told that he no longer needs to attend training at Melwood, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Enrique, who arrived from Newcastle United in 2011 on a contract worth around £65,000-a-week, initially impressed under the tutelage of then-manager Kenny Dalglish and was part of the 2012 League Cup-winning side.

The Spaniard was retained as first-choice left-back by Brendan Rodgers the following year but after suffering a long-term knee injury, he made just 8 league appearances during the 2013/14 campaign.

Enrique’s current deal expires next month and, having barely featured over the course of the last two seasons, he has been informed that he is free to spend time planning his future.

Enrique rejected moves to West Bromwich Albion and former club Newcastle last summer, insisting that he was ready to fight for his place, but he has only been used as backup by Jürgen Klopp, who called on him in the depths of an injury crisis for FA Cup ties against Exeter City and West Ham United.

Alberto Moreno and youngster Brad Smith are both ahead of the 30-year-old in the pecking order at left-back and, despite Klopp hoping to build competition for places in the position, Enrique’s Anfield career is all but over.

Enrique made a total of 99 appearances for Liverpool over the course of his five years at the club, scoring twice.