Ronald Koeman admits that Lovren could leave Southampton

Southampton have effectively admitted defeat in their attempts to keep centre back Dejan Lovren at St Mary's. Manager Ronald Koeman is expecting a bid from Liverpool to sign the Croatian defender next week.

Dejan Lovren handed in a transfer request last month and numerous teams from England have been linked with the Croat, including both Manchester United and Tottenham. However, it is Liverpool that have been knocking on the St Mary's door for the longest and with their sale of Luis Suarez, Brendan Rodgers now has money to spend on new players.

Ronald Koeman, who admits that he may be forced to sell the defender, told the press: "I hope Dejan will come back. He has to come back on Sunday.

"He said it’s a difficult situation and he will have another talk to the club and his agent, but he knows he has to come back because he is still a player of Southampton.

"As a manager of Southampton, I have to do everything to keep the best players. The final decision is of the board of the club."