Liverpool set to revive bid for £70m-rated Virgil van Dijk in January as Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino admits: 'Everybody has got their price'

Liverpool are set to return with another bid for Virgil van Dijk in the January transfer window after missing out on the defender in the summer, according to reports.

The Reds fell short in an attempt to sign Van Dijk last summer as Southampton stood firm by refusing to sell their prized asset despite him handing in a transfer request. 

Liverpool were then forced to issue a public apology to Southampton and abandon their pursuit of Van Dijk after Saints accused them of making an illegal approach.

Virgil van Dijk remained at Southampton after they stood firm despite his transfer request

Virgil van Dijk remained at Southampton after they stood firm despite his transfer request

But the Mirror report that Jurgen Klopp will be keeping a close eye on Van Dijk when the defender visits Anfield on Saturday, ahead of a potential January move. 


Liverpool will have been encouraged by Mauricio Pellegrino's refusal to rule out his club selling the Dutchman in the January transfer window.

When asked whether Van Dijk would still be on the south coast when the January window shuts, Pellegrino responded: 'I don't know. I can't control the market.

Jurgen Klopp will be keeping an eye on Van Dijk when Southampton visit Anfield on Saturday

Jurgen Klopp will be keeping an eye on Van Dijk when Southampton visit Anfield on Saturday

'You never know, because when we talk about money everybody has got a price. The budget is to sign players and the biggest teams have got money to try to sign players. 

'I can’t decide about that. This is a question for our owners. Everybody is focused on their area, to try to bring the best players possible for their club. 

'It is something that happens every single transfer window. We have got a lot of good players and most of the teams want to sign them'. 

Liverpool's need for a centre back has been highlighted by continued defensive problems this season, notably in the 4-1 loss to Tottenham last month. 

Van Dijk has played the full 90 minutes in Southampton's last five Premier League matches

Van Dijk has played the full 90 minutes in Southampton's last five Premier League matches

Klopp hauled off Dejan Lovren just past the half hour mark during that defeat while Joel Matip also endured a chastening afternoon attempting to mark Harry Kane. 

The Liverpool boss will be encouraged by the progress of Joe Gomez, however, who won man-of-the-match after marking Neymar in England's goalless draw with Brazil. 

After missing the first few games of the season with a foot injury, Van Dijk has played 90 minutes in Southampton's last five Premier League matches and is expected to start at Anfield on Saturday.

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