Liverpool have reportedly been knocked back in their pursuit of Southampton defender Dejan Lovren following a rejected £20m bid.

The 24-year-old is believed to be seeking a move away from St Mary's and has attracted interest from both the Merseyside outfit and Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite the Croatia international's desire to join a new club, which reportedly forced him into lodging a transfer request, reports have claimed that Southampton are refusing to sanction a move.

According to the Daily Echo, Lovren will refuse to return to pre-season training with the Saints, while Liverpool's latest offer has been rejected, despite the figure reportedly meeting the fee that the board promised the defender could leave for.

Reports have claimed that Lovren's desire is to play Champions League football.