Liverpool fans have been left thoroughly impressed by loanee Ronald Araujo since he joined from Barcelona, with many calling for him to join permanently next summer

Former Liverpool star Glen Johnson believes that his old side would be interested in a permanent deal for Ronald Araujo, but claims he isn't a long-term right-back solution.

It follows an impressive start to life on Merseyside for the Uruguayan international, who has been looking to kickstart his career again after a difficult previous campaign at Barcelona.

While the defender is a natural center-back, he has currently occupied the right-back position, taking the role ahead of Jeremie Frimpong in the early weeks of the campaign and making it his own.

Araujo has added plenty of energy and defensive solidity in that position, which has left the fans absolutely smitten with the loanee, having shown all of the desire to keep the ball out of the net that anyone in the stands would show if they were on the pitch.

That has already led to discussion from the supporters about a potential permanent deal, with the Reds including an option in the loan contract that could see him move to Merseyside by the next summer transfer window.

It may be early to be discussing such a switch, with plenty of the season still ahead for Liverpool to make such an important decision about the defender. However, former star Johnson has claimed that he would be surprised if the Reds were not at least considering such a move.

Speaking to Betfred, he said: "You can tell when he's playing at right-back that he's not a natural right-back, but he's quick, strong and willing to do a job for his team.

"I'd be surprised if Liverpool don't want to sign him permanently because he's proving that, as well as being a good center-back, he can also deputize as a right-back.

"He has the right-back position for a reason at the moment and he's doing a fantastic job. Long-term, I don't think he's a right-back, but I've been very impressed with what I've seen so far."

Liverpool's decision at this stage is unclear, but Araujo certainly seems to be enjoying his soccer again, and it is working well in the club's favor when it comes to results.

That has resulted in some love from the fans, including particular amusement at the star throwing his head towards a rolling ball on the ground to clear it against Brighton, simply summing up his quality and effort. "Ultimately, it was just a solution. I'd thrown myself on the ground and I used my head," he told the official Liverpool website.

"I'm very passionate and that's how I live football – I've been that way always. I experience football this way and it was just a solution. Whatever I need to do to help the team, I need to be prepared to do it.

"Given I'd gone to ground and the ball was there, I used my head and got a touch on the ball. It was brilliant but that's part of my job, my style and I'll always give everything."

If he continues to give it his all and perform to the level he is at, Liverpool may well have no option but to trigger the clause regardless of the situation.