Liverpool are still interested in signing Southampton's Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool have been forced to put their pursuit of Virgil van Dijk on the backburner in recent weeks due to Southampton's hardline stance.
Saints chairman Ralph Krueger insisted last week the Dutchman would not be sold under any circumstances this summer.
However, the Liverpool Echo claim the Reds are waiting in the wings and will shatter their transfer record if the St Mary's club change their mind.
And they reportedly think the arrival of Wesley Hoedt from Lazio this week could open the door to a potential deal for Van Dijk.
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Wesley Hoedt's arrival at Southampton could signal Virgil van Dijk's departure
Steven Gerrard backs Liverpool to sign Virgil van Dijk
Lazio sporting director Igli Tare has revealed the Italian club have reached an agreement with Southampton for Hoedt.
And he has claimed the centre-back has been promised regular first-team football, raising questions about Van Dijk's future at the club.
“The decision to sell him was at his request because he wanted to be a guaranteed starter,” Tare said.
“Here, he didn’t have that guarantee.
“Shortly, he will be sold to Southampton. His experience at Lazio has been a positive one.”
Despite Hoedt's arrival raising questions about Van Dijk's future, the Liverpool Echo claim the Reds must still be careful about pursuing the Dutchman.
They were accused of tapping up Van Dijk in June and had to publicly apologise to Saints and will not risk a further backlash.
If they fail to land Van Dijk then Jurgen Klopp will reportedly make do with Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and Joe Gomez.
And Mamadou Sakho is unlikely to get a recall as Crystal Palace continue their pursuit of the France international.
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