Liverpool transfer news: Reds prepared to pay £70m for Virgil van Dijk - Paul Joyce

LIVERPOOL are willing to pay a world-record fee of £70million for a defender for Virgil van Dijk, according to reports.

Steve Nicol says Liverpool could still pursue Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool are set for a busy final few hours in the transfer window as tomorrow’s 11pm deadline draws closer.

Jurgen Klopp’s side completed the signing of Naby Keita on Monday, although the midfielder will not move to Anfield until next summer.

And the Reds have stepped up their pursuit of Monaco winger Thomas Lemar, with a third bid expected to be made.

But Liverpool also haven’t given up in their pursuit of Van Dijk, despite Southampton’s insistence the defender is not for sale.

Liverpool are prepared to pay £70m for Virgil van DijkGETTY

Liverpool are prepared to pay £70m for Virgil van Dijk

Jurgen KloppGETTY

Jurgen Klopp is set for a busy final few hours of the transfer window

The Times’ Paul Joyce claims the Reds are ready to smash their club transfer record with a £70m bid for Van Dijk.

Joyce reports Southampton have not changed their stance on Van Dijk, but Liverpool are hopeful of landing their long-term summer target.

The 28-year-old hasn’t featured in any of Southampton’s opening Premier League fixtures and has been training with the under-23 side.

He handed in a transfer request earlier this month, which was swiftly rejected by the south coast club.

Liverpool meanwhile are keen to get Mamadou Sakho off the books at Anfield, but rejected a bid of £25m from Crystal Palace.

The Merseyside club are not budging on their £30m valuation with West  Brom and Leicester also reportedly monitoring his situation.

But the 27-year-old is said to prefer a move to Selhurst Park having spent the second half of last season on loan there. 

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