Liverpool accelerate plan to sign centre-back after Van Dijk latest
Liverpool are set to accelerate their plans to sign a new centre-back amid uncertainty over the future of Virgil van Dijk, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that, even if Van Dijk opts to remain at Anfield, they are planning to bring in reinforcements in his position.
The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season as things stand, and has been available to discuss terms over a pre-contract agreement since the beginning of January.
Football Insider revealed on 9 February that Liverpool remain in talks with their superstar trio of Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold and have hope of tying all three to new deals.
As a result, the Reds have turned their attentions to potential replacements, with Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen one name on their shortlist.
Football Insider revealed on 15 February that Liverpool are “very keen” on Tottenham star Micky van de Ven after Arne Slot green light.
The 19-year-old Spaniard has a £55million release clause in his contract at the Vitality and is said to tick a lot of boxes for Arne Slot’s side.
Liverpool eye Bournemouth, Tottenham and Crystal Palace stars
Liverpool’s recruitment team have been working hard behind-the-scenes to identify potential replacements for Van Dijk as speculation about his future continues to grow.
Former Wolfsburg star Van de Ven is viewed as an “elite Champions League level” player by Liverpool, sources say, and they feel he is capable of partnering Ibrahima Konate or Van Dijk.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi has emerged as another potential option for the position given his Premier League experience and leadership skills.
However, the Palace captain has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle and they are braced for a potential summer bidding war.
Caoimhin Kelleher joins Anfield exit queue
Speculation surrounding the future of Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold has dominated headlines on Merseyside as their contract situations remain unresolved.
However, they are not the only Liverpool stars attracting attention ahead of the summer transfer window, as Caoimhin Kelleher has also been tipped to leave Anfield.
Football Insider revealed on 14 February that the Reds will reluctantly entertain offers for the 26-year-old shot-stopper, who they value at £30-40million.
Kelleher will have just 12 months remaining on his contract in June and is not willing to sign an extension as he would prefer to become the first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere.
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