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Liverpool have already seen one surplus centerback depart Merseyside this transfer window after Tiago Ilori made a permanent move to Championship side Reading yesterday. Now, The Echo is reporting that the Reds have rejected Southampton’s loan bid for Mamadou Sakho.
Liverpool is looking to secure a permanent move away for the fan favorite. Moreover, the club is reportedly looking for £20 million pounds for the player who has been completely frozen out of the first team since being sent home during the pre-season tour of the U.S.
Southampton are presumably in the market for a new centerback after defender Jose Fonte handed in a transfer request ahead of a possible move to West Ham.
Fellow Premier League sides Swansea and Crystal Palace are also rumored to be interested in capturing the French defender, as is Spanish side Sevilla.
Sakho is currently on the books at Liverpool until the summer of 2020 after signing a long-term extension last September. As such, the Liverpool management are under no real pressure to sell for less than market value.
He may have had his off-the-pitch troubles since last April, but he is still a very good defender who would improve many teams. Hopefully the 26-year-old can find a permanent home, and return to meaningful first-team football somewhere.