STANFORD, USA - Sunday, July 24, 2016: Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho arrives for training session in the Laird Q. Cagan Stadium at Stanford University on day four of the club's USA Pre-season Tour. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Stoke City to offer Mamadou Sakho a Liverpool “escape route”

Mamadou Sakho is likely to attract plenty of interest after Jurgen Klopp reportedly made the defender available for loan this week, and Stoke City are one of the clubs wanting to take the Frenchman.

Speaking after Tuesday’s win at Burton Albion, Klopp didn’t deny the reports of Sakho being available for loan, instead all-but confirming the news.

“Everybody who needs to be informed about this have been informed about this,” said the boss.

“There are no secrets with the important people, I would say.”

Sakho then looks set to leave before the transfer window closes next week, with reports explaining: “Liverpool have stressed they have no plans to offload Sakho permanently but want to arrange a loan move in order for him to build up his fitness.”

But he’s the first player to be sent on an at least six month loan to gain fitness. Danny Ings, Daniel Sturridge, Joe Gomez, none of them were made available for loan to gain fitness, despite being out for far longer than Sakho.

Sakho has clearly done something(s) to upset Klopp.

The Telegraph report on Wednesday evening that Stoke City boss Mark Hughes is keen to offer the 26-year-old an “escape route”.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Wednesday, March 16, 2016: Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho celebrates after knocking out Manchester United 3-1 on aggregate (1-1 on the night) during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 2nd Leg match at Old Trafford. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Stoke, who signed Joe Allen from the Reds last month, are said to be keen to bring in defensive recruits after conceding four against Man City on Saturday and have asked about Sakho’s availability.

Hughes spoke this week of wanting a centre-back, and has been linked with Man United‘s Phil Jones: “That’s an area of the side we want to improve and we are still in the market to try and bring in a player of quality.”

It’s unlikely Stoke will be the only club interested in Sakho, who many see as Liverpool’s best defender when fit and on-form.

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