Liverpool hopeful of signing Virgil van Dijk before transfer window slams shut

Liverpool remain hopeful of striking a deal to sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

The Dutch defender has wanted to move to Anfield all summer but saw a possible £60million transfer blocked in June, when Southampton threatened to report Liverpool to the Premier League for their alleged conduct.

Yet Standard Sport understands Liverpool are cautiously optimistic the deal could still be revived this month with the price reaching a possible £70m, and wages significantly in excess of £100,000 per week.

Van Dijk was also courted by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City but was quickly clear that Liverpool were his first choice, as he was particularly attracted by the style of football adopted by Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool have already agreed a deal to sign Red Bull Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita from next season, while they moved quickly to sign Mohamed Salah from Roma for £34m earlier in the summer.

The former Chelsea winger has made an immediate impression at Anfield, scoring three goals in his opening five matches.