Liverpool Transfer News: Mamadou Sakho Reveals Reds Commitment Amid Rumours

Liverpool centre-back Mamadou Sakho has revealed that he is fully committed to the Reds after being linked with a transfer away from the club this summer, branding himself a "Liverpool soldier" in the wake of the club's 1-1 draw with Bordeaux in the Europa League.

The France international captained the team and turned in a fine performance at the base of a young side on Thursday evening, but he has yet to start a Premier League game this season. Nevertheless, Sakho confirmed that he is ready to be called upon at the right time.

"I'm always ready," he told L'Equipe (h/t Mark Rodden of ESPN FC) "I'm working, and I'm a Liverpool soldier. And when you call on me, I always rise to the challenge."

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Sky Sports reported that Liverpool rejected offers from Serie A side Roma and Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen this summer for the defender. According to ESPN FC’s Mike Whalley, the Reds have also offered the Frenchman a new deal in an attempt to stave off interest from other clubs.

According to Tony Barrett of the Times, a deal isn't far from being concluded:

Many Liverpool supporters seem a little bemused by Sakho's not starting league games, especially with Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren failing to impress at the heart of the defence. Dominic King of the Daily Mail thinks that after shining in Bordeaux, the 25-year-old would be unlucky to miss out in the next game:

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, who said Sakho was “immense” against the Ligue 1 side, did hint that he will earn a start soon if he continues performing well. “He knows he has had to be patient, and his attitude has been first-class,” said the Liverpool boss, via Rodden. “He has trained very well, kept professional, done his extra work on his fitness, and he has got his rewards for that.”

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Sakho would certainly bring plenty to this back four that’s been in short supply of late. Although he may look awkward on the ball, the Frenchman is a decisive defender, physically indomitable and a vocal presence, too. 

Bleacher Report Liverpool correspondent Matt Ladson remains concerned that despite Sakho’s appearance in the starting XI in the Europa League, the regular pairing will be drafted in again for Sunday’s crucial showdown with Norwich City:

"

Good news - no Skrtel or Lovren tomorrow. Bad news - they're being rested for Sunday.

— Matt Ladson (@mattladson) September 16, 2015"

There are issues with this Reds XI aside from the centre-backs, though. Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet remains indecisive between the posts, there remains doubt as to which full-backs are the best options and there is a lack of protection in front of the back four from the midfielders; Lucas Leiva is the only naturally defensive option in this area.

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Football writer Tony Evans doesn’t think Sakho would be the answer to this team’s issues at the back:

But at the moment, he’s a player who deserves a chance. Sakho marshalled a young side superbly at a tough venue and showcased a hunger to force his way into the team. The point of having a deep squad is that when first-team regulars are not playing well—like Skrtel and Lovren—others can step in in their places.

It’d be harsh on Sakho if he wasn’t drafted in after his midweek outing. The new contract offered to the player will begin to look less and less appealing if he remains out of the starting XI.