Liverpool transfer news: Dejan Lovren hands in transfer request at Southampton after Liverpool interest

Saints defender wants Champions League football

Dejan Lovren has a effort at goal from a free kick (GETTY IMAGES)

Southampton defender Dejan Lovren has submitted a formal transfer request according to reports.

The centre-back reportedly sent an email to executive director Les Reed and chairman Ralph Krueger expressing a desire to leave the club this summer.

According to the email, Lovren is keen to play Champions League football next season and wants a move as a result.

However despite the defender's desire to quit the club, they have yet to acknowledge receipt of the signed email which was sent on May 30.

Lovren has only been at Southampton for one season, but has also reportedly claimed that the changes to the club's management have also influenced his decision.

During his time at St Mary's, both executive chairman Nicola Cortese and manager Mauricio Pochettino have left.

Croatia’s Dejan Lovren takes on Brazil in Thursday’s World Cup opener (AFP)

However it is also thought that reported interest from Liverpool may have influenced the defender's decision.

The 24-year-old, who signed for £7m from Lyon last summer, is desperate to quit the club in order to join a top-four side.

He joins a growing list of players at Southampton who look to be on the way out of St Mary's.

England stars Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw look set to depart this summer, with Rickie Lambert already sold to Liverpool for around £4m.