Danny Murphy says Liverpool “close” to signing Southampton defender

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy says Liverpool are close to signing Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk.

Liverpool issued a public apology and explained that they had ended their interest in the Southampton defender last month, but manager Jurgen Klopp is thought to retain a strong interest in signing the centre-back.

Klopp, having already spent this summer transfer window heavily on Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah from AS Roma for an initial £36.9 million fee, and the former Liverpool player believes that the spending at the Anfield club is not yet over.

According to Sport360, Murphy said: “Personally, the problem for Liverpool was more defensive.

“I (Murphy) think the van Dijk thing (deal) is close. That would be a phenomenal signing. But there’s definitely more business (transfer) to be done at Anfield.

“My understanding is that they (Liverpool) really are trying to push the boat out in bringing new players in to try and compete.

“I (Murphy) suppose the other question is do they (Liverpool) need a striker who can get 20 goals a season? Maybe they’ll (Liverpool) look there as well, we’ll have to wait and see.”

The Liverpool target is one of the most highly sought after defenders in England, with van Dijk having produced some spectacular displays for his club over the past couple of seasons.

A reliable performer, the Dutchman averaged ten defensive activities per game in the Premier League last term, while he was successful with 75% of the headed duels that he contested.