Three players Liverpool could sign in the January transfer window

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Virgil Van Dijk

Despite a vast improvement since Jürgen Klopp joined Liverpool last year, many fans still question whether or not Dejan Lovren is the right man to partner Joel Matip in defence if the Reds are to mount a serious title challenge this year. The Croatian has enjoyed a reasonably solid start to the season, although the four goals conceded against Bournemouth last weekend will have done nothing to ease neither fans’ nor Jürgen Klopp’s confidence in the 27-year-old.

If Jürgen Klopp does feel the need to add to his defensive options in January, especially given the possibility of Matip departing for the African Cup of Nations in January, then he should look no further than Southampton centre-back Virgil Van Dijk. Since joining the Saints from Celtic in 2015, the Dutchman has earned special praise from manager Claude Puel, who claimed that 25-year-old has all the capabilities to become one of the best central defenders in world football. Van Dijk has also formed a very solid partnership with Jose Fonte –  Southampton have the 4th best defensive record in the league this season.

Like Joel Matip, the imposing Dutchman is 6ft 4”, and would. therefore. be a huge addition at set pieces, at both ends of the field. Defending crosses has been arguably the biggest weakness of Liverpool teams over recent years, and so to finally solve this issue would give the whole team a massive boost. Another noticeable problem for Liverpool this year has been the lack of leadership and communication in defence, which opposition teams have frequently benefitted from.

However, as a result of his consistently good form for Southampton, Liverpool are likely to face strong competition for the Dutchman’s signature, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Man City all rumoured to be interested. Van Dijk reportedly has a release clause of £25 million, which would be a bargain in today’s transfer market.