Mamadou Sakho heading to Southampton?

Southampton have reportedly stepped up their interest in Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho following a long-term injury to Virgil van Dijk.

The Holland international is expected to be out for at least three months after he suffered an ankle injury in the 3-0 win over Leicester City last weekend.

Former skipper Jose Fonte departed for West Ham United earlier in the transfer window, and this leaves the side to play an inexperienced Jack Stephens alongside Maya Yoshida at centre-back.

According to The Express, the Saints could utilize their association with Liverpool this month as they seek to tempt Sakho to move to the South Coast.

The Reds have already snubbed a loan approach from Claude Puel's side and the Saints will have to pay a fee of around £20m if they are to have any chance of landing the player.

Sakho has been neglected by Jurgen Klopp since his poor behaviour in the club's pre-season tour of the United States.