Liverpool are reportedly keen on Southampton defender Jose Fonte, with Mamadou Sakho potentially being offered up in exchange.
According to The Mirror, Liverpool are keen on Southampton centre back Jose Fonte – and Mamadou Sakho could head to the South Coast in exchange.
The Reds have picked up defensively since Simon Mignolet returned in goal in place of Loris Karius, but problems remain at the back for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Southampton’s Jose Fonte
Joel Matip has suffered injury problems of late, leaving Liverpool a little short at centre back, whilst Ragnar Klavan has generally been up-and-down since arriving from Augsburg over the summer.
Dejan Lovren has been consistent, but Liverpool are now being linked with another centre back, with The Mirror claiming that the Reds are keen on Southampton veteran Jose Fonte.
Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho
The 33-year-old has racked up nearly 300 appearances for the Saints since a 2010 move from Crystal Palace, but has now asked to leave the club, and is being left out by manager Claude Puel with many expecting a transfer this month.
One of the Premier League’s top defenders, Fonte has proven himself as a great leader and even won Euro 2016 with Portugal over the summer, meaning his stock is high – and Liverpool are now believed to be keen to reunite him with his former Southampton defensive partner Lovren.
In a bid to strike a deal, it’s claimed that Liverpool could offer up outcast Mamadou Sakho in part-exchange, with the centre back yet to make an appearance this season having been frozen out under Klopp.
Southampton’s French manager Puel may be open to resurrecting his compatriot’s career in exchange for wantaway star Fonte, though it’s unclear whether any money would also be changing hands.
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