Crystal Palace have opened talks with Liverpool over the potential transfer of centre-back Mamadou Sakho, according to theDaily Mirror.
Sakho has not appeared for the Reds this season after being sent home from the club's pre-season tour of the USA, and Palace manager Sam Allardyce is reportedly keen on making a deadline day move for the France international.
However, the £20m asking fee and the former PSG defender's wages are proving to be an obstacle in the potential deal.
Palace have the likes of Scott Dann, Damien Delaney and James Tomkins available in central defence, but the side have conceded 41 Premier League goals this season, one of the worst records in the top flight, and could look to Sakho to bolster their back line.
Although Liverpool are eager of cutting ties from Sakho permanently the club may have to settle for a loan deal as the transfer deadline approaches. TheLiverpool Echostate Palace remain interested in the 26-year-old, while Southampton are also monitoring his developments after Jose Fonte's departure earlier this month.
No permanent offer has been forthcoming and Liverpool will settle for a loan deal in which they would cover the player's wages while also receiving a fee for the deal. Sakho is under contract with the Anfield club until 2020 but understands a move away from Liverpool is required in order to reboot his career.
Sakho has been playing in the U23 side during his exclusion from Liverpool's first-team squad, making his last appearance for the club in the 4-0 win over Everton last season.