Southampton and Napoli among clubs pursuing Mamadou Sakho this summer

March 27, 2017
Jack Lusby

Liverpool outcast Mamadou Sakho is garnering heavy interest ahead of the summer, with Southampton and Napoli among those considering a move.

Sakho is currently on loan with relegation candidates Crystal Palace, and has been in excellent form for the Eagles so far, helping to keep three clean sheets in three games.

This has seen the Frenchman nominated for the Premier League‘s Player of the March award for March, where he will be vying with Reds midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.

Jurgen Klopp is not likely to welcome Sakho back into the fold at the end of his spell at Selhurst Park, with their relationship broken down.

But he is not set to remain with Palace, who should serve as stepping stone to prove his form and fitness ahead of a permanent move at the end of the season.

According to the Guardian, Liverpool are hoping to receive over £20 million for the 27-year-old, who is contracted to the club until the end of 2019/20.

Premier League outfit Southampton and Serie A challengers Napoli are both believed to hold an interest in Sakho, and could prompt an auction for his services this summer.

This would be an ideal situation for Liverpool, given Sakho’s lack of prospects under Klopp.

Southampton‘s interest comes with Virgil van Dijk expected to leave St Mary’s ahead of 2017/18, and this could play into the Reds’ hands.

Van Dijk is believed to be a target for Klopp this summer, with the German scouting a variety of centre-backs as he looks to bolster his defensive ranks and find a partner for Joel Matip.

If the Saints were to make an offer for Sakho, it could serve as a makeweight in what would likely be a record deal for Van Dijk.

However, Van Dijk is set to attract a plethora of suitors in the summer, with Liverpool unlikely to be able to match the financial might of the likes of Chelsea and Man City.

Either way, it is near guaranteed that Sakho will move on at the end of the season, which will prove a divisive move among supporters.

But, encouragingly, Sakho’s strong start to life with Palace has at least sparked a tussle for the No. 3’s talents, which can only be a positive for Liverpool.