Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk has emerged as Liverpool’s prime target in the summer.
Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk looks dejected
Liverpool owners, FSG, are willing to provide Jurgen Klopp a massive transfer kitty in the summer transfer window as part of an ambitious recruitment drive.
According to reports from The Times, Southampton’s £50m rated defender, Virgil van Dijk, is Jurgen Klopp’s first choice for defensive reinforcements.
The 25-year-old joined Southampton from Celtic in 2015, and has quickly established into one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. He was in very good form for the Saints, but an ankle injury in February had put a premature end to his season.
The Dutchman has been the subject of interest from other heavyweight Premier League clubs – Arsenal and Everton – and now Liverpool are seriously considering making a move.
Liverpool could use Mamadou Sakho as a part of the deal to sweeten the move. The report says Southampton have shown interest in Sakho who has little chance of playing for Liverpool again under Klopp despite impressing with Crystal Palace on loan.
The Reds will look to maximise his value in the summer, and should consider using him as a bait to lure Van Dijk. Should he move to Merseyside, it would represent yet another raid from Southampton, who have already sold Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Sadio Mane to Liverpool since 2014.
Liverpool are on course to finish in the top four this season, and therefore it will be easier for them to lure Van Dijk with an offer of Champions League football next season.
Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring their first goal
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