Southampton are targeting Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson so will Liverpool finally complete a deal for Virgil van Dijk?
Are Liverpool finally about to sign Virgil van Dijk? Well the Sun reporting that Southampton are lining up a £30m bid for Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson to replace the Dutchman would suggest there is hope.
The future of Van Dijk has been one of the summer’s most drawn out sagas, with the Reds the favourites to land the defender before they were reported to the Premier League by the Saints for alleged tapping up and made a public apology in June as a result.
Virgil van Dijk of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur.
This has left the 26-year-old in limbo, as despite apparent interest in the £50m-rated centre-back from Chelsea and Manchester City as well, according to the Express he favours a switch to Anfield to work with manager Jurgen Klopp.
Van Dijk’s frustration at not being allowed to leave St Mary’s has now led to the Netherlands international submitting a transfer request at the Hampshire club.
The former Celtic man was left out of a pre-season tour of France and has been told to train away from the rest of the squad by new boss Mauricio Pellegrino until he was ready to play.
Yet Southampton’s interest in Boro’s Gibson suggests they are finally ready to admit defeat in retaining Van Dijk, leaving the Merseysiders with the perfect opportunity to complete a deal.
Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City attempts to escape the challenge of Ben Gibson of Middlesbrough.
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