The Reds not making a bid for Sakho despite the PSG man’s being flattered by interest.
Despite Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Mamadou Sakho admitting a move to Liverpool is flattering, Brendan Rodgers is more interested in bringing in Sporting Lisbon defender Tiago Ilori, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Sakho had been linked with a cut-price move to Anfield due to the Frenchman’s imminent expiry of his contract in 2014 and the fact the 23-year-old has been out-of-favour in PSG’s starting XI.
“I am flattered by the interest of historic clubs like Liverpool,” the Parisian was quoted in the Liverpool Echo.
“We will see what happens in the near future.”
However, the Reds are not preparing to make a move for the France international and have also cooled their interest in Schalke 04 defender Krygiakos Papadopolous, as Ilori emerges as their No.1 target.
The 20-year-old Sporting youngster has been making a name for himself in Portugal and Rodgers has been keeping tabs on the centre-back for some time.
It’s believed Ilori, although a Portuguese under-20 international, would be keen on a return to England having been born in London and having dual nationality.
Therefore a move for the starlet would seem like the ideal option for all parties concerned, with Liverpool wanting to improve their defence following the retirement of Jamie Carragher and the uncertainty of Martin Skrtel’s future at the club.
The Reds have already made significant steps in the transfer market this summer, having acquired Manchester City veteran Kolo Toure on a free transfer, as well as bringing in La Liga duo Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas from Sevilla and Celta Vigo respectively for a combined fee of £14.2m.
The Merseyside club have also signed Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet for £9.3m.
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