Liverpool news: Virgil van Dijk battle with Manchester City set to take place in January
LIVERPOOL and Manchester City are reportedly poised to target Virgil van Dijk when the transfer window opens next month.
The Southampton star has forged a reputation as one of the Premier League’s top defensive talents over the past two years.
And a summer switch to Anfield appeared to be a formality before Saints accused Liverpool of tapping the Dutchman up in June.
The Reds maintained an interest in Van Dijk but were unable to tempt Southampton into selling him before deadline day.
Jurgen Klopp is apparently still keen on getting the centre-back on-board though, with Pep Guardiola set to rival him.
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Liverpool and Manchester City want Southampton star Virgil van Dijk
According to Goal, Liverpool will try to sign Van Dijk in the new year.
And a City bid is looking like a distinct possibility too.
Pep Guardiola is said to have convinced Etihad chiefs to open the purse strings.
And that’s amid Vincent Kompany and John Stones’ fitness problems.
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GETTY
However, City’s potential move could falter over concerns Van Dijk would want to start every game in Manchester.
Guardiola is thought to be eyeing up Real Sociedad ace Inigo Martinez as well.
His willingness to accept a squad role, coupled with a £28m release clause, means a swoop for Van Dijk could be abandoned.
Whether Southampton would be prepared to do business with Liverpool for Van Dijk remains to be seen.
