Reds on alert over Payet

Saint-Etienne have broken off contract talks with Liverpool target Dimitri Payet and admit the rising star could leave at the end of the season.

The 23-year-old has been watched by Liverpool and Damien Comolli, the Anfield director of football strategy who left Saint-Etienne in November, is a huge admirer.

Payet has won three caps for France and a lot of attention since a blistering start to the season, but his form has dipped amid the focus on his future.

The right winger was keen to extend his current contract beyond 2013, but talks have been put on hold by the cash-strapped side as they consider whether to cash in at the end of the season.

Saint-Etienne co-president Roland Romeyer said: 'If he plays at the same level as he did at the beginning of the season, it will be difficult to keep him. If he can attract a big club, we'll see.'

Source: Daily Mail

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.