Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp was withdrawn when asked about the future of Mamadou Sakho but suggested there are "no secrets" about the possibility of the defender going out on loan.

The Frenchman's standing in the squad has plummeted in the last few months, although he was cleared of any doping charges to leave him available for selection.

The centre-back, who hasn't played for the Reds since April because of a suspension that followed a failed drugs test, has been sidelined by an Achilles injury in recent weeks - causing him to miss pre-season and the start of the new league campaign.

But in July, he joined up with the first-team squad for their tour of the United States regardless, only to be sent back home early for breaking club rules and a perceived lack of respect.

Since, the 26-year-old's future at Anfield - which was also under threat when he missed the Europa League final in May as well as Euro 2016 before UEFA dropped his drugs case - has seemed uncertain.

Earlier in the week, it emerged that Liverpool would be open to short-term loan offers for Sakho in order for him to play regular football elsewhere and prove to Klopp he can re-establish himself.

Klopp keeping "no secrets" as to possibility of Sakho going out on loan

Klopp and Sakho appeared to enjoy a strong working relationship last season. (Picture: Getty Images)
Klopp and Sakho appeared to enjoy a strong working relationship last season. (Picture: Getty Images)

When questioned about Sakho's situation in the aftermath of their 5-0 win over Burton Albion in the EFL Cup second round on Tuesday night, Klopp replied: "I'm happy that I don't talk in situations like this."

He told reporters that "everybody who needs to be informed" about what's happening with Sakho "has been informed" about it and added: "There are no secrets with the important people, I would say."

The 26-year-old returned to training earlier this week, but has yet to work his way back to full sharpness, and looks likely to be sent out on a temporary basis to regain full fitness and form. No clubs have yet been linked, although that could change in the coming days.

Some reports have however suggested that Klopp has been impressed by the professionalism he urged Sakho to show after being sent back to Melwood - having taken to Instagram earlier in the month to post videos of him in his injury recovery.

Sakho's departure would leave Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and Joel Matip - who made his debut at Burton - as Klopp's senior options, although Lucas Leiva is seen as back-up and Joe Gomez is being eyed for a spot in the centre upon his long-awaited return from injury.

Of the Reds' other options, Andre Wisdom's future remains unknown and Tiago Ilori is set to seal an exit with clubs lining up from across Europe - including Greek champions Olympiakos - for his signature as Liverpool look to seal around £3 million to let the Portuguese go.

The decision to send Sakho out on loan would certainly raise eyebrows, given his commanding form in the second-half of last term, and the fact Liverpool have conceded five goals in their first two Premier League games of the 2016-17 season.

Any replacement would appear improbable, although Matip - after his composed first competitive appearance for the club at the Pirelli Stadium - is expected to step into the starting eleven alongside Lovren starting away at Tottenham Hotspur this coming Saturday.

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About the author
Charlie Malam
Digital Sports Writer at the Daily Express. First-class Staffordshire University Sports Journalism graduate. Formerly VAVEL UK's Liverpool FC editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Contributor since June 2014.