From Russia With Love – Lovren looking likely to head to Zenit
Dejan Lovren is on the brink of a Liverpool exit with the defender closing in on a move to Zenit St Petersburg
With Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk established as the first-choice pairing, Lovren has been limited to just 15 games all season with his most recent start coming in the 3-0 defeat at Watford at the end of February.
Russian side Zenit have expressed an interest and it is understood Liverpool are happy to do business with a fee of around £11million agreed.
It is understood that discussions have continued between Liverpool and Zenit for much of the month and the 31-year-old looks set to depart when the transfer window opens.
Lovren was subject of interest from Italy 12 months ago with AC Milan and Roma showing an interest in the former Southampton man.
However, the Reds broke off talks with Roma after becoming frustrated with their negotiating tactics.
Lovren eventually stayed but has gone on to start just eight of Liverpool’s 37 league games so far this term.
The Croatian defender joined the club from Southampton for around £20m in the summer of 2014 and has gone on to make 185 appearances in total on Merseyside, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup with the Reds.
His exit raises the prospect of the club dipping into the transfer market for a replacement, however, with Jurgen Klopp down to just three senior centre-backs should Lovren complete a move to St Petersburg.
The Reds have teenage youngsters Sepp van den Berg and Ki-Jana Hoever in reserve but Lovren’s departure means just Van Dijk, Gomez and Matip are the senior centre-halves at Anfield.
