Reports suggest Liverpool have turned their attention to long-standing Everton target Ben Gibson after missing out on Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk.
Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk would have reportedly cost £60m
With Liverpool desperately in need of defensive reinforcements as they look to build on last season’s impressive fourth-placed finish, it is fair to say their deal for Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk did not end the way they would have been hoping.
According to the BBC, the Dutchman had stated his desire to move to Anfield this summer in a deal that would potentially make him the most expensive defender of all time. That is until the Saints complained to the Premier League about an illegal approach from the Reds, prompting Liverpool to release a public apology and claim they would be dropping their interest.
And while this big-money blunder may have elicited all kinds of mirth on the blue half of Merseyside, it may have serious ramifications for Everton’s own transfer hopes.
New name on the list
Because The Sun is now reporting that Liverpool have turned their attention to influential Middlesbrough captain Ben Gibson after missing out on their top summer target.
The 24-year-old greatly enhanced his reputation in a debut Premier League campaign despite Middlesbrough suffering relegation by finishing 19th. His consistent performances even earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad in March.
Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson
Consequently, The Sun claims that Boro will not accept anything less than £20 million for their prized asset – which is still around a third of the fee required to take Van Dijk to Anfield.
The problem, however, is that Everton have been linked with Gibson for a number of months, via The Sun, as Ronald Koeman aims to find a more youthful alternative to 30-something duo Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka.
Yet, it appears that Liverpool may now have the upper hand.
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