Liverpool have been handed a massive transfer boost in their pursuit of Southampton star Virgil van Dijk, with news emerging that Southampton have earmarked defender Christopher Jullien as a viable replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

The Reds have long been linked with Virgil van Dijk and hence this should come as sweet news for them, as they have actively been looking to strengthen their defence in the summer. Liverpool’s problems at the back have been quite visibly big, as they have had the worst defensive record in the league when compared to the other 5 teams in the top-6 of the Premier League table.

Van Dijk has developed into one of the best defenders in the league and this season has seen him attain a rapid rise. He is valued at around £50 million, but many doubt if he is worth such a huge transfer fee. Though the Reds might believe that the asking price can be brought down, it wouldn’t go down too much as the player’s contract runs until 2022.

Southampton would be under no pressure to sell the player and hence they would play hardball over the transfer fee.

It has been claimed that the Saints have been working on bringing a cheap replacement for Virgil van Dijk. The report says that Southampton may bring Jullien to the club for around £10 million. Jullien only joined Toulouse last summer but could be sold this summer if a good bid comes in. Jullien won the Under-20 World Cup with France in 2013 and last year cost Toulouse £2 million.

With the report claiming that Southampton are offering £10 million, it would be hugely profitable for Toulouse and if the deal goes through, it would mean success for Liverpool as they would be able to sign Virgil van Dijk.

If it is indeed Liverpool who would be signing Van Dijk, it would represent some real intent from Jurgen Klopp to take Liverpool back to glory days.