Liverpool U23 coach Michael Beale has confirmed that centre-back Mamadou Sakho is inching closer to match fitness.

The French defender has been training with the U23 squad ever since falling out with manager Jurgen Klopp during the summer.

The 26-year-old made his third appearance for the reserve side in the 1-1 draw with Manchester Unite on Tuesday.

"I thought Mama looked strong," Beale told the Liverpool Echo.

"United were always looking for their No 9 (Scott McTominay) and his aerial threat but Mama showed his experience.

"He was a good guide for young Tiago Ilori alongside him who seems to be in fine form too at the moment.

"I am pleased to have them both as part of our team. They give us a platform to play.

"Mama is training with us and he's working hard every day. That's the closest he's looked to full fitness. I couple more games like that and we'll see what happens from there."