Thursday 19 January 2017 16:56, UK
Liverpool have rejected a loan bid from Southampton for Mamadou Sakho, according to Sky sources.
Sky Sports News HQ understands that the Reds' intention is to sell the 26-year-old centre-back, who has struggled for games under Jurgen Klopp this season.
The Saints are preparing to lose one of their first-choice centre-halves this month in Jose Fonte, who is the subject of talks over a move to West Ham.
Fonte, whose contract at St Mary's expires in the summer, told Southampton earlier this month that he wanted to leave and manager Claude Puel confirmed they have received several inquiries for the 33-year-old.
Puel's fellow Frenchman Sakho, meanwhile, has not made a single appearance for Liverpool this season.
He was sent home from Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States due to concerns over his attitude, something that was not helped by a social media outburst last September.
Saints boss Puel has insisted he knows nothing about the offer. He said: "I know this player but I know nothing about this. It's speculation. We have a reflection about this possibility to see another centre-back if Jose Fonte left."
Sakho was withdrawn from Liverpool's U23 team to play Manchester United on Monday.
