Liverpool open Lovren talks as Agger ponders exit

Dejan Lovren was one of the signings of the season last summer for Southampton

Liverpool have opened up talks to sign Dejan Lovren from Southampton according to the Daily Star, as they seek to replace Daniel Agger in the summer.

Agger has been reported to be frustrated with Liverpool after a season that has seen him frequently have to play second fiddle to the likes of Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho in the starting line-up.

With Liverpool’s defensive record having been less than impressive as they narrowly failed to win their first Premier League title, Brendan Rodgers is believed to have targeted a shake-up of his defensive options in the summer and Agger could be the first casualty to make room for improved recruits.

Lovren has been one of the number of Southampton players who have caught the eye this season, with his performances at the heart of the Saints’ defence proving incredibly useful to a defensive record that actually bettered that of Liverpool.

The Saints only brought the Croatian centre-back to the club last summer in an £8.5million deal from Lyon and would be loathe to lose him, as their squad is already facing desecration from the leading lights of the league.

Luke Shaw is believed to be close to a move to Manchester United, while Liverpool are also thought to be very keen on Adam Lallana, and Southampton are believed to be at least looking to double their money on Lovren, if they are to be tempted into a sale.