Liverpool reject Southampton loan bid for defender Mamadou Sakho

Liverpool have rejected a loan bid from Southampton for out-of-favour defender Mamadou Sakho.

Press Association Sport understands the Saints' offer was instantly dismissed as the Reds will only consider permanently offloading the France international.

The centre-back is no longer considered part of the first-team squad after being sent home from the club's pre-season training camp in California as manager Jurgen Klopp was unhappy with his attitude.

Sakho trained with and played for the club's under-23 side for the first half of the season but since the transfer window opened he has not featured as the club want to minimise the chances of him getting injured and jeopardising a move.

The player rejected loan switches to West Brom and Stoke in August despite being told he needed to leave to re-establish his reputation, and in the intervening period the club's stance has shifted to the point where they now want him off the books.

However, they will only consider a permanent deal in the region of £20million for the 26-year-old.

Southampton are looking to strengthen in central defence after captain Jose Fonte handed in a transfer request earlier this month.

Sevilla, Swansea and Crystal Palace were also believed to be looking at the player but none have followed up their initial interest.