Southampton have rejected an offer from Liverpool for striker Shane Long.

The Reds have been prompted into action after the Saints signed Charlie Austin from QPR for £4million on Saturday.

According to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool approached Southampton with an £8m offer for Republic of Ireland international Long but the south coast club swiftly rebuffed their bid.

Jurgen Klopp felt perhaps Ronald Koeman would be prepared to part with Long following the arrival of Austin but Southampton are keen to maintain their current squad as they look to get their season back on track after a substandard beginning.

Long has scored five goals in 14 Premier League outings for a total of eight in 20 matches in all competitions this season.