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Koeman issues Liverpool Lovren warning

ESPN staff
July 22, 2014
Dejan Lovren could be the third Southampton player to join Liverpool this summer © Getty Images
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Ronald Koeman has warned Liverpool they will have to match Southampton's valuation for Dejan Lovren if they want to sign the centre-back.

Reports have suggested that Liverpool are closing in on a £20 million deal for Lovren, with ESPN sources confirming significant progress has been made in talks between the two clubs.

Southampton have already turned down a bid of £20m but Koeman has hinted that Liverpool would have to pay more for the 25-year-old or structure the deal more to his club's liking.

"If they are interested, they have to come with a bid, and a good one, and then we can speak about that, because the player likes to move," Koeman told reporters after Southampton's 1-0 victory over Swindon on Monday in a pre-season friendly.

"Players have to be happy in Southampton - they have to fight for the colours of Southampton and, if not, okay, but always if there is a good bid on the table."

Despite talks progressing, Koeman denied a deal has been struck between Lovren and Liverpool.

Liverpool have already agreed to pay Southampton a combined total of £29m for Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana this summer and will take their deals with the South Coast club to around £50m if they sign Lovren. Koeman's club have also cashed in on Luke Shaw, who left for Manchester United in a deal initially worth £27m.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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