Crystal Palace 'admit defeat in bid to sign Mamadou Sakho from Liverpool'

Crystal Palace have reportedly pulled out of their attempts to sign Mamadou Sakho from Liverpool on a permanent basis after being priced out of a move.

The 27-year-old enjoyed a successful short-term spell on loan at Selhurst Park in the second half of last season, helping his side to a clean sheet in half of the eight games he featured in.

Palace chief Steve Parish admitted in May that he would be open to recruiting Sakho on a long-term deal if the price was right, but Liverpool are said to be holding out for £30m, despite the Frenchman seemingly being out of manager Jurgen Klopp's plans.

According to The Mirror, new Palace boss Frank de Boer has a smaller budget to work with than predecessor Sam Allardyce and will therefore turn his attention elsewhere, with Ajax ace Joel Veltman a possible target.

Chelsea's Kurt Zouma is also said to be in the Dutchman's thinking, as he prioritises bringing in a solid central-defensive option ahead of his maiden campaign in charge.