Liverpool hit transfer fee deadlock over defenders Tiago Ilori and Mamadou Sakho

Liverpool are struggling in their attempts to bring at least one new defender to the club after deal for both their targets ran into problems.

The Reds wanted to pay £6m to sign Sporting Lisbon centre-back Tiago Ilori, but the Portuguese side are demanding £17m for the 20-year-old.

That’s despite the fact that the youngster is out of contract at the end of the season and has shown no intention of signing a new deal.

And a similar situation has arisen in manager Brendan Rodgers’ move for Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho.

He too will be available on a free transfer next summer, yet PSG have slapped a £13m price tag on the France international.

Perhaps both clubs are aware of Rodgers desperation. Centre-backs Kolo Toure and Sebastian Coates are both out injured, while Martin Skrtel has only just returned to fitness.