Liverpool have been knocked back by Manchester City in their attempts to complete a loan deal for Micah Richards.
Brendan Rodgers targetted the former England defender to bolster his back line with Glen Johnson out with ankle and groin problems.
Standard Sport understands the Anfield club made an enquiry last week over the availability of the defender.
But Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini wants Richards - who can play as a centre back or right back- to stay at the club and the Reds' move was rebuffed by the current Premier League leaders.
Richards returned to the Manchester City squad last week after sustaining a hamstring injury in December's 3-2 win against Bayern Munich.
The 25 year-old has found himself in behind Pablo Zabaleta in the pecking order at the Etihad stadium.
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