Liverpool ‘ready to pounce’ for £60million Virgil van Dijk if Southampton choose to sell after signing Wesley Hoedt
The Saints skipper has already handed in his transfer request, but the club remain adamant that he is staying at St Mary's
LIVERPOOL are reportedly ready to pounce on long-term target Virgil van Dijk.
Following the arrival of Wesley Hoedt to Southampton, the Reds are poised to renew their efforts for the £60million defender.
Liverpool's initial pursuit for the 26-year-old grew tiresome, but they are now ready to pounce if the Saints change their stance - according to Liverpool Echo.
The Merseyside giants were forced into an embarrassing public apology earlier this summer after Southampton accused them of tapping up the player.
The arrival of Wesley Hoedt from Lazio this week could spark a move away from St Mary's for the Liverpool target.
Lazio sporting director Ighli Tare has claimed that centre-back Hoedt has been guaranteed first-team football by Saints manager Mauricio Pellegrino.
Van Dijk handed in a transfer request to Southampton a fortnight ago, which also stands in Liverpool's favour.
However, Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger insisted last week that the Dutch centre-half is staying put.
If Jurgen Klopp wishes to sign the Dutchman then he will have to fork out a whopping £60million in a bid to bolster his back-four.
Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and Joe Gomez are Klopp's current defensive options.
Liverpool have signed Dominic Solanke from Chelsea, Andrew Robertson from Hull and Mohamed Salah from Roma so far this summer.
However, the Merseyside club will have to act quickly as the transfer window draws to a close.
