Liverpool have found themselves in the middle of all the major transfer speculation this summer as they are trying to keep hold of one world class player, and are hoping that they can persuade a Premier League club to part ways with another.

In recent weeks, the Anfield’s side focus has solely been on keeping Philippe Coutinho at the club, as Barcelona are heavily pursuing the Brazil international after selling Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain for a record-breaking €222 million.

SUMMER BUSINESS

Now that they have funds to spend, the Catalan side has seen three huge bids turned already down by the Merseyside club with a deadline reportedly set for the deal.

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Liverpool’s reluctance to sell is a statement in itself, as Jurgen Klopp will be looking to keep his best players in an attempt to make a real go of being in the Premier League title race, as well as competing in the Champions League.

To do that, reinforcements are needed and despite doing some good business already this summer, it’s evident that their main target has been Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk.

The Saints’ skipper has let his current employers know that he wants to move on and has already handed in a transfer request, while it’s been well-documented over the summer than Van Dijk’s preferred destination would be Liverpool, having already met with Klopp and being impressed with his hands-on approach.

NECESSITY

That got Liverpool in a little bit of trouble, with Southampton threatening to report them for tapping up the Dutch international before the interest was dropped.

While Southampton have no intentions of selling a player who is yet to feature in their opening two games of the new Premier League season, the Reds and the fans are perhaps still hopeful of making a significant offer to lure Southampton into selling.

If they are to compete for silverware, former captain and current academy coach Steven Gerrard believes Van Dijk is a necessity.

Speaking to BT Sport, he said: “Yes [he is a necessity].

“For me, if you want to compete in the league and in the Champions League [he is needed].

“It’s been well documented that we need two or three signings in.”

Gerrard hasn’t hidden his admiration for Van Dijk, as he claimed last week that he was hoping Liverpool would make a move for him when he was leaving Celtic having been impressed with his performances.

While he missed out on the chance of playing alongside him, Gerrard will be pleased if Liverpool can sign the player as he’d be a massive addition to any team in the league - and an even bigger loss for Southampton.

Will Virgil van Dijk still be a Southampton player once the transfer window shuts? Have YOUR say in the comments section below.

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