DANNY Ings is closing in on a return to action for Liverpool as Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said he 'respected' the tribunal decision which set a fee for his move to Burnley this week.

The 23-year-old moved to Anfield from the Clarets in the summer when his Turf Moor contract expired, but Burnley were due compensation as he was under the age of 24.

This week a tribunal set that fee at a record £6.5million initial payment, with a further £1.5million in appearance add-ons. If the Reds make a profit on the sale of Ings 20 per cent of that will also be due to Burnley.

“I heard about [the tribunal] for the first time since I’ve been in England," said Klopp. "I’m not a specialist and can’t say anything about the amount of money or something like this.

"We respect the decision, that’s what I can say. For me as a manager, it’s more important that the player is close to being available hopefully.

"That’s very good news. I saw a lot of his sessions with the rehab department. It has looked really good for a few weeks.

"I didn’t see the session yesterday, I have to speak to the U21 coach and Danny. We have a few games to play and we’ll see what happens.

“We will see if there is an opportunity this season and if we should try it then or not. Or if he should use the summer break for improving everything and then he will start 100 per cent in pre-season."

Klopp added: “He’s a great guy. I have had half an hour with him on the pitch – it was so unlucky I can’t believe. Since then I know much more about him as a person than as a professional football player.

“So if he is as good as a player as he is as a person, we can really look forward to seeing him on the pitch.

“In a very difficult moment in your career, very young, not the best news, it can help you build character for sure. My opinion is that he already had a good basis on the character side. Now, 100 per cent, he has developed."