Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp would sign Virgil van Dijk ‘in a heartbeat’

Liverpool were strongly linked with Van Dijk during the transfer window but were put off when Southampton reported them to the Premier League for an alleged illegal approach.

The Saints then vehemently refused to drop their stance about selling Van Dijk, especially to Liverpool.

It meant Klopp started the season with Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren as his preferred centre-back pairing and they have both failed to convince at times this season.

The defensive duo were heavily criticised for their role in Joselu’s equaliser for Newcastle in Sunday’s 1-1 draw.

Critics have called on Klopp to make additions to his defence in the January transfer window to bolster their chances of winning a trophy this year.

And the Daily Mail claim Liverpool would move quickly to sign Van Dijk if Southampton were willing to sell.

Van Dijk has been reintegrated back into the Saints side after his summer transfer saga. 

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp slammed Liverpool for not improving his defensive options.

He told the Daily Mail: “Jurgen Klopp failed to land a centre back while Everton’s business has left them in a complete mess.

“The real issue is that Liverpool’s centre backs are not good enough. 

“Klopp will back his players to the hilt but there is a reason he tried to splash out £60million to land Virgil van Dijk.

“It is no surprise Klopp keeps tinkering with his back four and goalkeeper. He is searching for something that is not there.

“It is far too early to count Liverpool out of the race for the top four — and their problems pale in comparison to those at Goodison Park.”