West Ham are keen to sign Nathaniel Phillips, but Liverpool will only let him leave on a permanent deal, according to reports.
The Hammers are looking for cover at centre back, with defensive lynchpin Angelo Ogbonna out long-term with a cruciate ligament knee injury.
And according to the Sun, the Reds are willing to let Phillips go - but not on loan, and for a fee of around £10million.
David Moyes' side have £30m summer signing from Chelsea, Kurt Zouma, but their other defensive options are limited, with Craig Dawson now 31, Ogbonna 33, and questions remaining over the reliability of Frenchman Issa Diop.