Aston Villa make approach for £42m player Liverpool have eyed to replace Virgil van Dijk

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Virgil van Dijk is one of Liverpool’s most important players, with the defender also one of the best in the world in his position.

The 33-year-old Dutch international has been sensational this season under Arne Slot with Van Dijk returning to his best as Liverpool sit comfortably in the driving seat for the Premier League title as well as the UEFA Champions League.

With Liverpool delaying Van Dijk’s new contract, though there is a small chance that the former Southampton defender could leave Anfield at the end of this season if the Reds fail to finalise the captain’s new deal in time.

And one player Liverpool have eyed as a potential replacement for Van Dijk has now had an approach from Aston Villa.

Aston Villa make enquiry for Liverpool target Loic Bade

According to L’Equipe, Unai Emery’s side have made an enquiry to sign Sevilla defender Loic Bade, with the France international likely to leave the La Liga side this January if his €50m (£42m) release clause is activated.

Bade has been linked with Liverpool in recent weeks with the 24-year-old centre-back viewed by the Reds as a potential replacement for Van Dijk, with central defence already a position that the Reds need to strengthen this year.

READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk from his tattoo to net worth

Centre-back is one of four positions Liverpool want to add to in 2025 alongside central midfield and left-back, with Bade’s form and Sevilla’s need to sell the defender making the La Liga titan an ideal signing for the Reds this January.

But with Villa making contact to sign Bade, time is now running out for Liverpool to sign the centre-back, who could be a dream addition for the Reds this month as Slot looks to add the players needed to fuel the Reds’ title bid.

What other defenders could Liverpool target to replace Van Dijk?

Van Dijk leaving Liverpool this summer is a nightmare situation for the Reds, with no player out there good enough to provide what the Dutchman has for the Anfield side since joining from Southampton.

Yet there are some players who could pave over the cracks left by a potential Van Dijk departure, with Liverpool already bidding for Bologna defender Sam Beukema, and offer that was rejected by the Serie A side.

And with Liverpool still interested in Jarrad Branthwaite despite Everton’s asking price, a young defender could be brought in to grow into the Van Dijk role if the Dutchman was to leave, with this outcome something that simply can’t happen this year.