Liverpool to Break Transfer Record for Defender Virgil van Dijk if Southampton Willing to Negotiate
Liverpool are ready to break their transfer record to sign Virgil van Dijk, but only if Southampton indicate that they are willing to negotiate.
The Liverpool Echo have reported that the Dutchman is set on a move to Anfield, and has been forced to train alone by Saints manager Mauricio Pellegrino.
Van Dijk, rated at £60m, is likely to become the most expensive defender in the world if a deal is made, but Southampton continue to dismiss the possibility of a transfer.
The 26-year-old centre-back is under contract at St Mary's until 2022, and Pellegrino has claimed that he will return to the squad when he accepts that his future is with Southampton.
The Reds have already made an approach for Van Dijk this summer, but any potential deal came to a swift end when they were accused of tapping up the player.
Liverpool issued an apology following the alleged illegal approach and withdrew from their attempt to complete the deal.
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Jurgen Klopp is believed to have continued to closely monitor Van Dijk, and he and the Liverpool hierarchy are hopeful that Southampton will grow more willing to compromise.
The South Coast club are reportedly determined to avoid selling another player to Liverpool after Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Sadio Mane all moved in the past three years alone.
Van Dijk made 21 Premier League appearances for Southampton last season, and a further six starts in the Europa League.
