Dejan Lovren demands Southampton transfer

Southampton defender Dejan Lovren handed in a transfer request on the 30th of June amidst interest from both Manchester United and Liverpool. The Croatian defender has been lined up as a long term replacement for Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford.

According to reports, Lovren has been told that he will be forced to stay at St Mary's as he is considered an important part of the Saints' long term plans.

The club have also told Lovren that he will not be allowed to even consider an exit until a new manager has been appointed.

Liverpool have also been linked with the defender as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his defence ahead of the upcoming season.