'He wants to leave' - Reds in €10m bid for unhappy star who wants LFC move

In his pre-Aston Villa press conference yesterday, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed that he plans to sign another central defender before the summer transfer window closes. With Sebastian Coates set to miss the entire season through injury, the club's need for defensive reinforcements is particularly acute, but it seems a ready-made replacement could be waiting in the wings.

Reports in England this week claim that France defender Mamadou Sakho has 'told PSG that he wants a move to Anfield this summer'.

This follows on from a report last week in French newspaper Le Parisien, which claimed:

* Sakho demanded a meeting with Olivier Letang, PSG's sporting director, to discuss the possibility of a transfer.

* Liverpool made contact with Sakho during the January transfer window, and the club has now reignited its interest.

Liverpool have allegedly made a €10m-bid for Sakho, and Earlier this week, PSG boss Laurent Blanc confirmed again that the defender is on the way out of PSG. He told French newspaper L'Equipe:

"It is true that Mamadou wants to leave. Until September 2, the situation will develop and there will be time to find a solution that suits both parties."

Speaking to L'Equipe earlier this year, 6'2 Sakho admitted that he'd 'finally come to accept' that his time at PSG is over, and bemoaned his slip down the pecking order. He said:

"In the mind of the PSG coach, I'm the third choice, and I do not understand it. I have to play at club level to qualify for the France team. Next season will be important. It's been a difficult year and a half for me at PSG. To continue my progress, I must be playing."

When asked in July about the possibility of a move to Anfield €13m-rated Sakho told reporters:

"I am flattered by the interest of historic clubs like Liverpool and AC Milan. We will see what happens in the near future.”

Liverpool desperately need another experienced centre-back, and Sakho definitely fits the bill:

* 23-years old so fits FSG's profile.
* Strong, fast, and athletic, qualities needed in the club's defence.
* Available for a comparatively low fee.
* Apparently wants to join Liverpool.

This seems like it could be another Willian situation though. The Brazilian also expressed interest in signing for the Reds, but greed got in the way, and he rejected the club for a bigger salary.

Hopefully, Sakho will not do the same. After recently being dropped from the France national team, he'll need to player regularly to secure his place at next year's World Cup, and he probably has more chance of playing regularly at Liverpool than anywhere else.