Southampton, Napoli eyeing swoop for Liverpool outcast

Southampton and Napoli have emerged as potential contenders to pursue the services of Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho. The France international is currently on a short-term loan with Crystal Palace.

Sakho, 27, failed to make a competitive appearance during the first half of the season after he had a rift with manager Jurgen Klopp for the lack of support during his drugs ban.

The Frenchman followed to join the Eagles on loan during the dying stages of the winter transfer window in order to prove his credentials ahead of a potential move elsewhere in the summer.

Sakho has since formed an excellent partnership alongside James Tomkins at the heart of the defence, having kept cleansheets while achieving a 100 percent win record in his three games.

The former Paris Saint-Germain man is unlikely to earn a spot on his return to Anfield, and this has seemingly captured the attention of both Southampton and Napoli, The Star reports.

Southampton are understood to be on the search for a potential replacement for skipper Virgil van Dijk, who could leave the club in the summer.

On the other hand, Napoli are in a similar situation with Kalidou Koulibaly likely to push for a summer exit away from Stadio San Paolo.