Liverpool's search for a new defender looks set to continue after St Etienne's Kurt Zouma ruled himself out of a move to Anfield this summer.
Zouma has been linked with moves across Europe this summer with Chelsea, Juventus, AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Russian giants Anzhi Makhachkala all thought to have expressed an interest in the 18-year-old.
But Liverpool were thought to head the queue for the player, and had hoped that Zouma might add to Brendan Rodger's squad following the retirement of Jamie Carragher.
It was thought that Zouma could be available for a fee in the region of £10m.
However, reports in France suggest that Zouma, one of Europe's most promising prospects, is content to stay and continue his development at St Etienne.
Speaking to Le Progres, Zouma said: "There was a lot of noise this summer about a transfer for me.
"I can only say one thing - I will be at St Etienne this season, for sure."
Liverpool may now turn their attentions to Sporting Lisbon centre-back Tiago Ilori, who is thought to be available for £6m after failing to agree a new contract in Portugal, after also being heavily linked with a move for Schalke's Greek enforcer Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Ajax's Toby Alderweireld.
Liverpool have already signed Kolo Toure from Manchester City this summer in a bid to bolster their defence ahead of the new season.
Source: Daily Express
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