Premier League rivals make move for Liverpool international - report

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Published on:

24 Aug 2016, 2:33 pm

By Tom Blackburn

Stoke are hoping to sign Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho on a season-long loan, according to a report.

The Telegraph claims that Stoke boss Mark Hughes has enquired about the availability of Sakho as he looks to bolster his squad.

The report comes on the same day that the World Anti-Doping Agency revealed they would not appeal against UEFA's decision to drop the doping allegations against the defender.

Sakho tested positive for a substance called Heganomine, following the second leg of Liverpool's dramatic Europa League ties against Manchester United on 17 March.

The Telegraph reported on Tuesday that Sakho would be allowed to leave Liverpool in a bid to allow him to recapture his best form before returning for a second stint at Anfield.

A short-term arrangement would be seen as beneficial to the 26-year-old and the club, allowing him to get back to the levels required to compete for his first team place.

Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport claimed at the start of August that Serie A giants Roma are keen to sign the centre-back on loan, but with an option to buy.

This came after Sakho was sent home from the club's pre-season tour of the United States by manager Jurgen Klopp for time-keeping issues.

Sakho joined the Merseyside club from French giants Paris St Germain in 2013 for a fee of £18 million and has made 80 appearances.

The 26-year-old played 22 league matches last season and was a crucial figure in Liverpool's Europa League run before they lost out to Sevilla in the final.

In other Liverpool transfer news, they open talks with a European club over a deal for a 26-year-old.

Liverpool FC

Mamadou Sakho

Stoke