Exiled defender Mamadou Sakho ready to leave Liverpool in January

France defender Mamadou Sakho has admitted defeat in his battle to win back a first-team spot at Liverpool and is ready to leave Anfield in the January transfer window, according to reports.

The 26-year-old has been frozen out of the Reds squad by manager Jurgen Klopp after he refused to leave the club during the summer.

Sakho was reported to have rejected moves to West Brom, Stoke City and Turkish club Besiktas, despite being told by Klopp to prove himself at another club.

The Daily Mirror says the Frenchman is ready to cut ties with Liverpool in January after being forced to train with the Under-23 side.

Sakho angered Klopp by breaching discipline thrice during Liverpool's pre-season tour of North America – arriving late for a team flight, missing a team meal and skipping a treatment session in California.

He further antagonised the German coach by posting on social media in September to voice his frustrations at being frozen out of the squad. The France international has not played since being banned for failing a drugs test late last season – a decision that was later reversed by Uefa who cleared him of doping charges.

Klopp said in September that Sakho had to work hard and maintain discipline to win back his place at Liverpool.

"Those two things are not a rule for Mamadou Sakho. It is a rule for every player. Work hard and do your best," he was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

"The rest of this I spoke to the team about and I spoke to Mama and we spoke together and that's it. From my side everything is done and now we can carry on. There is nothing else to say."

Sakho made 22 league appearances for Liverpool last season, scoring one goal. He has four years left on his Anfield contract.

French club Lille are reported to be interested in signing Sakho, but his £100,000-a-week wages could be a stumbling block in any potential move.