Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool reportedly receive boost in approach for Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool are in with a real chance of acquiring the signature of Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk, according to reports that first emerged on Tuesday night.

Van Dijk is generally seen as Jurgen Klopp‘s main transfer target this summer, with a host of top English clubs chasing the highly-rated 25-year-old.

With Liverpool’s defence once again a weak-link this season, an upgrade is required at centre-back, and Van Dijk fits the bill perfectly.

Tall, quick, superb on the ball and a good leader, the Dutchman was one of the Premier League‘s standout defenders in 2016/17 – and performed magnificently in the 0-0 draw with the Reds back in November.

Although many Liverpool supporters are resigned to Van Dijk joining a more wealthy rival such as Chelsea or Man City, recent reports could fill them with renewed confidence.

The Mirror‘s John Cross, admittedly not the most reliable of sources in the past for Liverpool, claims the Saints defender “is attracted by the proposition of playing for Klopp.”

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 19, 2016: Liverpool's Sadio Mane in action against Southampton's Virgil Van Dijk during the FA Premier League match at St. Mary's Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Although Cross believes Chelsea are still the favourites to land the £50 million-rated Netherlands international, Liverpool are willing to pay him £200,000 a week.

Should the Reds pull off a deal for Van Dijk, it would be one of the club’s most significant signings for a number of years.

Liverpool have been crying about for a genuinely top class centre-back since the peak years of Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher, and Van Dijk would be just that.

Joel Matip shone in his first season at Anfield, but was injury-prone, while Dejan Lovren‘s hit-and-miss form means a squad role is required for him next season.

Van Dijk would be perfectly suited to Klopp’s style of play, and him joining would be a huge statement of intent. Don’t get your hopes up too much, though.

More from This Is Anfield

Fan Comments