Reds make approach for Saints striker
Liverpool have had an approach for Southampton striker Shane Long rebuffed by the south coast side.
Kop boss Jurgen Klopp was eyeing a shock £8million swoop for the Republic of Ireland ace to bolster his injury-hit frontline.
But Saints are determined to keep Long – who has scored eight goals this season – despite the £4m bargain buy of fellow frontman Charlie Austin from QPR over the weekend.
Southampton have been a favourite shopping destination for the Anfield club in recent seasons, with Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Rickie Lambert all moving from St Mary's to Anfield - as did Steven Caulker, who halted a season's loan to Ronald Koeman's men from QPR to join the Reds.
The Hampshire side could however cash in on top-scorer Graziano Pelle – wanted by Italian giants Juventus.
Speaking after Austin’s arrival, Saints chairman Ralph Krueger said: “Players coming in and out of here in the last two weeks of the transfer window is not in the plan. I would never say never on either direction because it’s the nature of the sport; you don’t know what opportunities present themselves.
“At the moment we are pleased with the depth and Ronald has shown we have different line-ups.
“Ideally would be to keep all those names in the line-up.”
Pelle is in the final 18 months of his contract and Saints are stalling on offering the Italy international a new deal.
Source: Daily Mirror
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