22 Nov 2016

Sign for Liverpool? Klopp confident of sealing January deal for 'fantastic' €42m powerhouse

Jurgen Klopp is reportedly confident that he can persuade one of Southampton's best players to sign for Liverpool.

Earlier this month, Newcastle legend Mickey Quinn (who is now a scout for Wigan Athletic), claimed:

“I believe they [Liverpool] are interested in [Virgil] Van Dijk, when the transfer window opens up”

According to reports in the UK this week:

* Liverpool are keen to sign Van Dijk to help bolster the Reds' defence.

* Jurgen Klopp is 'confident' that he can tempt the Dutchman away from Southampton".

Van Dijk's wowed Liverpool fans with imperious performance at Anfield last Saturday, and a Matip-Van Dijk partnership is certainly an enticing prospect. Some info about Van Dijk:

* 25-year old centre-back. Contract expires: 2022. Missed only 8 games through injury in the last five years.

* 54 apps for Southampton. 12 apps for the Netherlands national team.

* Mar 2016: Fraser Forster raved: "He [Van Dijk] is a massive player. Big, strong and very quick, and fantastic on the ball".

* Apr 2016: Ronaldo Koeman's assessment: "He [Van Dijk] is strong, fast; good at short passing; and has a good long pass. He is also a good header of the ball. He's a very good centre-back."

If the speculation is true, then it surely means one of two things:

* Jurgen Klopp plans to pair Van Dijk with Matip, and make that his first-choice central defensive partnership.

* Van Dijk is a replacement for Mamadou Sakho, who is destined to leave Anfield at some point over the next year.

Of course, it could be both: Klopp wants Van Dijk to replace Sakho, and pair up with Matip in defence, with Lovren taking Sakho's place as a squad player.

* Van Dijk: €42m-rated (CIES Football Observatory)


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