Liverpool have made a major breakthrough in their long-running pursuit of Southampton star Virgil van Dijk, according to reports.
The Reds were forced to issue an official apology after an illegal approach for Van Dijk in the summer transfer window but remain determined to sign the 26-year-old defender. He ended up staying put at St. Mary’s but could now be on the move in January.
Irish newspaper the Sunday World, (h/t Daily Star) claims Liverpool have made a major breakthrough in their pursuit of the Dutch defender. If reports in the media are anything to go by then the Reds have finally agreed on a fee for the Saints star, who could join the Anfield club next month.
The report further adds Liverpool were reluctant to pay the £70million (€78million) asking price for the player but their stance has now changed after agreeing on a payment plan that suits both the clubs.
A £70m fee would smash Liverpool’s current transfer record, but the Merseyside giants are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements ahead of the January window so are pressing ahead with the move for the ex-Celtic man. Van Dijk was left out of the Southampton squad for yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Huddersfield.
Mauricio Pellegrino’s side faces Tottenham and Manchester United before the New Year and Van Dijk may well have played his last game for the club.
Pellegrino was grilled about his defender’s future after the game against the Terriers.
He said: “We know around Virgil there is a lot of speculation about him. We have to wait and see what will happen. I can’t control this but we have to think of our games.”
After an exhilarating 3-3 draw with Arsenal on Friday, Klopp did mention about Van Dijk but did not suggest that a move was close.
He said: “You only have to look at your own life – if you make one mistake you learn from it.
“A lot of my players are young and young enough to learn and that is what they will do, 100 per cent.
“I’m told, ‘You need to sign Van Dijk in January, don’t you?’
“But it’s difficult to scout players who have never made an individual mistake in their life. Nothing to say about the transfer window, actually.”
It looks that unless Manchester City or Chelsea follow up on their alleged interest and table an offer to match that of Liverpool’s, the Southampton defender looks set to join the Merseysiders come January.
Not to forget, Van Dijk will be eligible to play in the Champions League for Liverpool, who badly need a solid defence if they are to fight with European heavyweights.
