- Transfer News
Liverpool eye Lovren in further raid on Southampton
After prising Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana from Southampton, Liverpool are plotting another raid on St Mary's as they look to strengthen their defence.
Manager Brendan Rodgers wants to make Dejan Lovren his third signing from Southampton this summer, but the centre-back could cost as much as £15 million, according to widespread reports.
Liverpool are also said to be interested in Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand, who worked with Rodgers when the Northern Irishman was head of the West London club's academy.
Strengthening a defence that leaked 50 goals in 38 Premier League games is a priority for Rodgers, but he has been frustrated in attempts to sign Sevilla's Alberto Moreno, with the Spanish club refusing to lower their £20m asking price.
Lovren would make it a trio of players moving to Anfield after the transfers of Lambert, for around £4m, and Lallana, who cost Liverpool £25m. Southampton are understood to want £15m for Lovren, a player they signed from Lyons for £8.5m just 12 months ago.
Southampton, however, are reluctant to sell and fear their squad will be decimated by transfers after already losing Lambert and Lallana, and seeing Luke Shaw move to Manchester United for up to £31m last month.
Bertrand is valued by Chelsea at around £8m and Rodgers has been a long-time admirer. Liverpool tried to sign him in January, only for Jose Mourinho to rule against selling to Premier League title rivals.