Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho is reportedly a target for Besiktas, and given his issues in recent months, the Reds could opt to let him go.
The 26-year-old has established himself as a popular figure with the club’s supporters, but it hasn’t all been smooth sailing since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in 2013.
After failing a drugs test at the end of last season for a fat-burning substance, he missed the Europa League final and Euro 2016.
Further, he was then sent home from Liverpool’s pre-season tour after not respecting rules over time-keeping.
In turn, as reported by The Sun, it has put his career at Anfield in jeopardy, with the club now looking to recoup as much of the £18m that they spent on him this summer.
It remains to be seen whether or not Besiktas are able to satisfy their demands, but what the report does suggest is that Jurgen Klopp is open to the idea of his commanding central defender leaving.
Sakho made 34 appearances in all competitions last season and would have been set for a prominent role this year as well given his undoubted ability.
However, Klopp has been busy in the transfer market with the signings of the likes of Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan, and so he will feel as though he has the quality and depth to cope without Sakho moving forward.
Should he sell him and receive a substantial fee though, there would be a valid argument to suggest that he would continue to consider ways in which to strengthen his squad and a new central defender or a left-back would arguably be at the top of his to-do list ahead of the deadline later this month.