Dejan Lovren opens door for Liverpool exit this summer

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Dejan Lovren has hinted he is open to leaving Liverpool this summer in an interview with Sky Sports, as he remains behind the likes of Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk in the centre-back pecking order.

Lovren, 30, was linked with AC Milan last summer and a move came close to being orchestrated. However, a fee could not be agreed and the Croatian has remained at Anfield. He has managed 13 appearances this season, but is fourth choice.

The defender joined Liverpool way back in 2014 from Southampton for a fee of £20million (Telegraph), and in the six years he has turned out for the Merseyside giants, he has clocked up 183 appearances – winning the Champions League.

However, with Lovren turning 31 and expected to enter the final 12 months of his current deal, a summer exit is likely and the centre-back has suggested that he could be open to leaving Jurgen Klopp’s side when the summer window opens.

“I don’t think I’m just a throwaway. If the club needs me I am here, I am happy. But you never know what can happen in the summer. At the moment I am just focused on the point where I can say I made it [as part of a great team],” Lovren said.

TBR’s view – Lovren still has Premier League quality

But if he wants game time, he is not of the Liverpool standard to break his way into the starting line-up. Liverpool are top of the pile, and can attract the best. For Lovren, he is far below that standard as he delves deeper into his thirties.

Some top sides would surely take Lovren, though. Plenty of Premier League experience, leadership and European experience at a price likely to be far less than the £20million that Liverpool spent to sign him six years ago.

A move to Italy is also likely given Milan’s interest last summer, but it remains to be seen if Liverpool want Lovren as cover – or will cash in and bring a replacement to Anfield.