Bayern Leverkusen's pursuit of Dejan Lovren has hit a stumbling block due to the Liverpool defender's eye-watering wage demands.
Roma had previously been keen to bring Lovren to Italy this summer after the Croatian fell down the pecking order under Jurgen Klopp.
However his €1million signing on fee ultimately put the Serie A giants off and it was expected that the former Southampton star would stay put at Anfield.
But according to reports in Germany, Leverkusen have stepped up their pursuit of the Croatia international and view the centre-back as a ‘big solution’ to strengthen their defence.
It is believed that the Bundesliga side have opened talks with Liverpool over a season-long loan move, and are willing to pay a £2.75m fee to bring him to Germany.
Bild made that claim on Wednesday but the German publication has now reported that there are issues over the financial package Lovren would recieve.
Lovren is not willing to budge on his €9m (£8.1m) yearly salary, which he currently earns at Liverpool, but that is deemed to be "too much" for the Bundesliga outfit.
The centre-back, it is claimed, is "unlikely" to change his salary demands, demands which leave Leverkusen with a decision to make.
Klopp hasn't included Lovren in his squad for the opening two league games - against Norwich and Southampton - or the Super Cup victory over Chelsea .
Lovren has made 170 appearances for the Merseyside club since joining in a £20m move from Southampton in 2014.
Despite being a regular in the Reds' back-line in his first few years at Anfield, injuries and the strong performances of Joel Matip, Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez saw the Croatian limited to just 18 appearances in all competitions last season.
Zacbcku
0
nobody is overpaying more than Sanchez. right? 😜
Sanchez is also overpaid as he CE through swap deal but he is a world class player who's failing at utd. But some other salaries in EPL are just unexplainable
vuyaemrsuy
0
no1 in all world
DemonSoul
0
£8.1m yearly for this average defender? epl clubs are overpaying players
nobody is overpaying more than Sanchez. right? 😜
Zeaaimno
0
He is very good centre back,but Liverpool need someone strong,most of the time I have seen they all rely on Virgil.
Zacbcku
1
£8.1m yearly for this average defender? epl clubs are overpaying players
Dakbclpt
0
This guy I don’t recommend him to stay cz I watched him so many times just rising up his hands while opponents are scoring that even he could defend....like the goal of Aguero from man city and Napoli goal saved by Allison
Singapore1183229
0
Klopp is not fool to let him go. He already has a bigger problem with goalkeeping department.
Duhcknrtz
1
let him go
Zoudeipuy
0
For a completely sort of defensive match that depends on counter attacks, he fits really good.
Kiyacesy
0
Lovren is not bad. let him stay at Liverpool
Mauritius3503831
0
he is a high level defender but needs game to show his capability
Mucbcelmyz
2
Lovren should stay bad Klopp bad i will slap on your toushy is lovren leave 🖐🍑🖐🍑🖐🍑
KingMD
0
Seems average to me, but am gonna miss him when he leaves anyway
RitamDey
2
He won't leave unless he beats Salah in table tennis
Zuwbckmnu
0
I like him too
Zeezo1234
0
What do they expect from the worlds best defender
That joke made my day. Joke of the year.😅🤣
pieilns
1
this guy is good defender Liverpool we need to use him
yasdmy
3
nice
Satkai
2
Ramos be like🥴
nkamaclovis
2
This guy isn't just being used, he is a great defender!
tunchi23
1
Allison
MaireBurns000
1
haha Our best and world best defender of all time
Cobby84
6
He just doesn't want to leave this great family
Yeeamnrsty
2
Due to his injury concerns,he needs to save some money for his medical expenses
fucabdmosy
3
What do they expect from the worlds best defender
lented
1