Liverpool transfer news: Gareth Bale talk quashed by Jurgen Klopp after Reds draw vs Sporting Lisbon

The Welshman is unwanted at Real Madrid with Zinedine Zidane eager to sell him this summer

Jurgen Klopp has dismissed Gareth Bale as a potential target for Liverpool and insisted he is focused on building a team rather than acquiring individuals.

The German watched on as the Reds drew 2-2 with Sporting Lisbon in their latest pre-season friendly in New York.

And Bale is unwanted at Real Madrid after Zinedine Zidane spoke out about how a move away would be beneficial for all concerned.

But despite the Welsh star’s availability, Klopp is adamant Liverpool are not interested.

“These fantastic football players have some strange ideas. I respect them all so much, but they probably only say these things because somebody asked them,” Klopp told Sky Sports. “Bale is a Real Madrid player and if he leaves it will be outstandingly expensive and big wages.

“He is an outstanding player, I like him a lot but it is not about him. You have to create a team. A team is not a collection of the best individual players, they have to work together.

“Liverpool is a long-term project. The team is really good. Will there be difficult situations? Probably. There would be if we bring in a new player, or two or three. I didn’t say we won’t do anything, it is going to be a big window for sure but people don’t think about the people who are already in.

Gareth Bale is unwanted at (Getty)

“Sometimes you have to calm the situation down, pay your bills, have a normal life and live in the house before you build a new one.”

Next up for the European champions are Napoli on Sunday before facing Lyon in their final game before the Community Shield against Man City on 4 August.