Liverpool Transfer News: Mamadou Sakho Approaches Snubbed, Dani Ceballos Rumours

Liverpool have reportedly rejected offers from Bayer Leverkusen and Roma for centre-back Mamadou Sakho, with the French defender frustrated by a lack of playing time.

That’s according to Sky Sports News HQ, which posted an update on its Twitter feed about the defender's future:

According to l'Equipe (h/t Sky Sports), the defender is frustrated with his current situation with the Reds and is keen to move to ensure he features for France at next summer’s European Championships.

Sakho wasn't in the Liverpool starting XI for either of the team's two opening games this season, with manager Brendan Rodgers opting for the pairing of Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren instead. In fairness to the Reds boss, Liverpool have looked more cohesive at the back this season than they did last, keeping clean sheets in both games.

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The decision to omit Sakho from the squad completely didn't sit right with a lot of Reds supporters, though, including Anfield HQ:

After all, the former Paris Saint-Germain star is a commanding presence at the back, marrying tenacious tackling with superb aerial ability. Last season, he was arguably the club’s standout defender, and being left-sided, he brings a crucial balance to the back four.

In addition, while Sakho may occasionally look a little unsure with the ball at his feet, he’s an excellent distributor, per OptaJean:

Liverpool's rejection of these offers suggests they are keen on keeping hold of the Frenchman, and that’s understandable when you consider there is a dearth of centre-back options in the squad. Sakho not only provides able cover, but he is also a player who will be pushing for a spot in the starting XI.

It’s tough to foresee a scenario in which the Reds will cash in so late in the window, regardless of Sakho’s wishes to get game time before next summer’s major tournament. The 25-year-old will have to knuckle down in training and prove he’s worthy of a place in Rodgers’ team.

Liverpool Offer Contract to Dani Ceballos

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Liverpool have provided terms to Real Betis midfielder Dani Ceballos, according to "reports in Spain," cited by Metro, with the 19-year-old poised to sign a deal worth £1.1 million per year, which would bring him to Merseyside next June.

According to the piece, Ceballos has a buyout clause of £8.5 million in his current contract with the Andalusian outfit. Arsenal and Roma are also reportedly interested in the playmaker.

Here’s a look at why some elite sides in European football are chasing the teenager’s signature:

Metro writes that the player has one year remaining on his deal. Instead of paying the release clause for the midfielder to bring him in now, Liverpool will move to sign him on a pre-contract from January onwards.

For a young player like Ceballos, a move to Liverpool would be a tempting proposition. But for a midfielder who still has a lot to learn about the game, you wonder whether jumping ship from Betis quite so soon would the best move.

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After all, the Reds are pretty well stacked in midfield. James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen and Emre Can will all be vying for a spot in that facet of the team this season, while young stars such as Jordan Rossiter and Cameron Brannagan will be hoping to make the step up towards first-team level. As such, Ceballos could find it difficult to get much game time.