Liverpool transfer news: Reds demand £20m for defender, Galatasaray join Premier League side in the race
Galatasaray are interested in Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho a source close to the Istanbul giants told Turkish-Football.
The Lions want Sakho on loan and are willing to pay a loan fee and cover part of his wages however, the Reds are keen on selling the Senegal international on a permanent deal.
According to the BBC Liverpool will demand £20 million for the defender in January.
Galatasaray have been joined by Sevilla and Southampton who have all expressed an interest in Sakho.
The Saints are in the market for a defender after captain Jose Fonte asked to leave the club over the transfer window.
The Lions were also closely linked with Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva over the summer until the deal broke down at the last minute.
Galatasaray were also keen on Cristian Benteke as were Besiktas over the summer but both wanted him on loan whereas Liverpool wanted a transfer fee and held out until Crystal Palace made a bid.
Sakho has not featured for Liverpool this season since falling out with head coach Jurgen Klopp over the summer.
The defender was also suspended for 30 days by UEFA last April for testing positive for a prohibitive substance following a Europa League tie against Manchester United.
Sakho has had to train with the under-23 squad this season and recently shared an Instagram video where he included several flags in his caption alongside the message: ‘Soon on the pitch’.
The Senegal international also included the Turkish flag.
Galatasaray would however, be unable to match the £20 million asking price in January due to financial constraints. The Lions have already been suspended from European competition this season due to failing to meet FFP rules and must stay within budget.
The Istanbul giants will hope Liverpool do not receive a £20 million bid and decide to loan him out instead. Sakho is unlikely to feature in Klopp’s plans this season and would be expected to continue training with the reserves if he was to stay at the club.
In other Liverpool transfer news the Reds are facing a battle from Middlesbrough for PSG star Jese Rodriguez according to the Sun.
Per the source, the former Real Madrid forward has fallen out of favour at PSG just six months after signing and wants to leave.
