Chesterfield "close" to adding to squad as John Pemberton confirms interest in Liverpool star Rhys Williams

The Spireites boss told the DT that he tried to sign the centre-half, 19, who has started twice for the Reds in the Carabao Cup this season, in the summer and that he is “monitoring” the situation.

Pemberton has worked with Williams before at Kidderminster Harriers and would like opportunity to work with him again – but is likely to face tough competition for him.

On incomings, the Blues boss said that he would like to bring in two or three new faces.

“There is something close,” he said. “We just want to make sure it is right for us.

“It is just getting the balance of the squad right, trying to get cover for areas which we might need if we need to change the shape or change personnel, being able to rest certain players when they need it because we can’t flog the same players Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday.“

Williams impressed in Liverpool’s cup win against Lincoln City and in the penalty shootout defeat to Arsenal so Pemberton believes his performances will have attracted the attention of Football League clubs - but remains hopeful they might be able to make it happen.

Williams, who signed for Liverpool when he was aged nine, partnered Virgil Van Dijk at the heart of defence in both games and described his debut as a “dream.”

Town’s boss revealed that he tried to sign him in the summer but the Anfield club wanted to keep him with them for pre-season.

He explained: “I speak to Liverpool quite a bit. Funnily enough I spoke to them about him (Williams), where they were with it. They weren’t prepared to let him out in the summer because they wanted him around for the pre-season. It was not an option to do it then, in the summer, but it could be an option down the line.

“It is one to monitor but I am sure there will be a lot of clubs now, certainly in the Football League, who will be looking at him.”