Liverpool’s move for Dejan Lovren could be back on

The on again, off again transfer saga of the summer so far has taken another twist.

Southampton defender Dejan Lovren could yet get his wish, which is a move to Premier League title contenders Liverpool.

[RELATED: Lovren’s “head at Liverpool”]

Croatian international Lovren, 25, has made it very clear that he does not want to play for PL side Southampton anymore and is trying to push through a move to UEFA Champions League outfit Liverpool.

Brendan Rodgers is reportedly looking to bolster his defensive options, after Liverpool gave up 50 goals in 38 PL games last season, and have already had a $30 million bid rejected by Saints. The South Coast club, who have already sold England internationals Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana to Liverpool this summer, are holding out for closer to $40 million for Lovren.

After returning to England after the World Cup, Lovren has trained with Saints but has yet to play in a preseason friendly. Speaking to reporters after his side beat Swindon 1-0 in a preseason friendly on Monday, new Saints boss Ronald Koeman had the following words to say about Lovren.

Lovren missed the friendly due to an “injury”...

“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. Players have to be happy in Southampton – they have to fight for the colors of Southampton and, if not, ok, but always if there is a good bid on the table. In the last week there is no contact, and that’s strange because there is a lot of rumors about that. He said to me when he gets that possibility he would like to move. Ok, on the one side I can understand it.On the other side, as a manager, I like to work with the players who are happy in Southampton, and I don’t work with the players who are not happy.”

Will Liverpool up their bid and give Saints a new and improved offer to grab Lovren?

Rodgers has added midfielders Lallana and Emre Can, winger Lazar Markovic, plus striker Lambert so far this summer. Forward Loic Remy is said to be close to completing his move, so the only area Liverpool haven’t strengthened so far is in defense. Is Lovren better than current Reds Daniel Agger or Martin Skrtel? I’m not sure. He’s played for Lyon and has experience of playing in Europe, but $40 million seems a lot to spend on a player Saints bought for $15 million last summer and he has just one good season in the PL under his belt.

It seems as though Lovren will inevitably end up at Liverpool, as Southampton’s stars continue to jump ship and end up at Anfield.

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