The Telegraph reports that Liverpool may be tempted to include Mamadou Sakho in a deal for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.

Sakho spent the second half of the season on loan at Crystal Palace after falling out of favour with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.

Saints centre-back van Dijk is believed to have chosen a move to Anfield over Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Southampton chief Ralph Kruger has claimed that the club is prepared to reject bids of up to £60m.

To try and lower the price, Liverpool could include the £30m-rated Sakho, which could suit both parties, as Sahko would be able to fill Van Dijk's vacancy at centre-back.