Liverpool were expected to have completed a transfer agreement to sign Andre Trindade by now but there is still nothing to suggest he will make a move to Anfield.
Liverpool went from being the "best placed" to sign the Brazilian to trailing Fulham in the race to sign him in January to the trail going entirely cold.
Alexis Mac Allister did a commendable job in that role but not only is he suffering by not playing in his natural position, the entire Liverpool team is as well.
When the Reds are dealing with counter attacks, Mac Allister is at his most vulnerable. Wataru Endo's brilliant displays mean that when he is back from the Asian Cup, he will be able to free Mac Allister into his more natural no.8 role.
Liverpool don't seem likely to make a move for a defensive midfielder this summer - or anyone else for that matter.
Much to the chagrin of many supporters, of course, but Jurgen Klopp, his coaching staff and the recruitment team know better.
The Reds have done brilliantly this season without the needed reinforcements and the hope is they can continue in this vein of form without signing someone like Andre.
The summer transfer window will likely see a new no.6 arrive at the club in spite of Endo's form. The Japanese midfielder is 30 and obviously doesn't represent the future of the Reds' midfield.
That said, he is more than good enough to get Liverpool over the line this season.