Liverpool fans received the news they had been long awaiting when the club announced the signing of Virgil Van Dijk last week.But despite spending £75 million on the Dutchman, there are many who think that Liverpool's defence still needs some work if they are to be title challengers.In particular, it can be argued that the Reds could still improve by buying a centre-back to partner Van Dijk. Joel Matip has been Liverpool's best defender since arriving in the summer of 2016, but question marks remain over his quality. Elsewhere, Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan have failed to impress on a consistent basis, whereas Joe Gomez is perhaps still too young and experienced to be an effective partner for Van Dijk.
GARTH CROOKS REVEALS WHO LIVERPOOL SHOULD BUY NEXT
Garth Crooks has come out with some ridiculous opinions before in his punditry career, but his thoughts on who should partner Van Dijk at Liverpool may top the lot.
Writing in his Team of the festive season for the BBC, the former Tottenham forward believes that Liverpool should put in a bid for Brighton's Lewis Dunk.
"It was Dunk's performance against Watford, and again at Newcastle, that left me thinking he is a top-four defender if ever I saw one," Crooks wrote.
"In terms of his defensive qualities I don't think I've seen a better centre-back this season. I've seen more polished performances but nothing quite so efficient."
FANS ARE IN HYSTERICS OVER THE FEE CROOKS PROPOSES
To be fair, Dunk has been impressive for a newly promoted Brighton side who have only conceded 27 goals in 22 games, and lie 12th in the Premier League table.
However, the fee Crooks suggested Liverpool pay £45 million for Dunk, which is quite simply bizarre.
Crooks wrote: "It struck me that Liverpool could do themselves a great service by making an audacious move for Dunk. What would he cost - £35m in today's grossly over-inflated market?
"Offer £45m and I've no doubt Brighton boss Chris Hughton would drive him to Anfield himself."
Wow. As Crooks stated, the market is going crazy, and Dunk being English drives his transfer fee up even more.
But the fact that he is suggesting that Liverpool pay £45 million for a 26-year-old defender who has spent the vast majority of his career in the Championship, is simply outrageous.
And Twitter simply could not believe he even made the suggestion.