Ronald Koeman happy to let Steven Caulker leave Southampton for Liverpool

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman was happy to cut out-of-favour Steven Caulker's loan short when Liverpool came calling.

The 24-year-old centre-back moved to St Mary's on loan from QPR over the summer, but only played eight matches in all competitions for the club.

Caulker's last appearance for Saints came in their 6-1 Capital One Cup quarter-final mauling last month against Liverpool - a club the defender has now joined until the end of the season.

"We spoke about his situation yesterday evening," Koeman said.

"Steven came in in the summer before we signed Virgil van Dijk because we had long-term injuries and he was a back-up.

"He didn't play a lot and normally we have more defenders for that position. I am not to stop his opportunity to play for Liverpool."

Caulker's departure is likely to have little effect on Southampton on Wednesday, when they look to get back to winning ways against Watford.