Report states Liverpool will bid for £50m-rated defender if this happens
By Derek Smithson
Liverpool have been in communication with Southampton in an attempt to rebuild the relationship between the clubs and could move for Virgil van Dijk if invited to do so, according to a report.
The Daily Mail claim that the Reds have been in touch with the Saints and will only consider making a bid for the 26-year-old if it is entertained.
It is understood Liverpool withdrew their interest in the defender last month after being reported to the Premier League for tapping up.
The report details that Jurgen Klopp’s side are aware of the fragile relationship between the two top-flight clubs and are willing to wait before making a potential swoop for the centre-back.
Van Dijk is valued at around £50million and is keen on completing a move to Anfield.
The Holland international is recognised as one of the most technically gifted defenders in the Premier League and is a key player at Southampton.
He made 30 appearances last season across all competitions and scored four goals, but missed the second half of the campaign with an ankle injury.
Van Dijk would face tough competition if he signed for Liverpool for a starting position and would battle alongside the likes of Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho, Ragnar Klavan and Joe Gomez.
Football Insider verdict:
Liverpool should definitely go all out to sign Van Dijk if given permission by the Saints as he would be the marquee defensive signing they need. They have already purchased the impressive Mohamed Salah to bolster the attacking options and could now do with an extra defender. Van Dijk has become one of the best in the Premier League recently and would surely thrive at Anfield. The 26-year-old is now entering the peak of his career and is someone that does justify a big price tag. He is very composed in possession, strong in the air, and has looked a natural born leader during his time with Southampton. Liverpool need to be focusing on signings that can improve their starting line-up and Van Dijk is certainly someone who would do that.
In other Liverpool transfer news, European giants are preparing a bid for the club’s 23-year-old.
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