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Liverpool told to beat Chelsea to £60m man in the January transfer window
LIVERPOOL should push to sign Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, believes Sky Sports pundit Tony Cottee.
If Liverpool buy Van Dijk they will win title – Paul Merson
Express Sport understand Chelsea want to sign Van Dijk and will offer £60million for the centre-back, while Manchester City are also interested.
Saints do not want to sell their star man and Jose Fonte's recent transfer request has increased the club's need to retain the Dutchman.
Liverpool have struggled defensively this season, having conceded 23 league goals so far - the most of the top six clubs.
And former Leicester striker Cottee believes manager Jurgen Klopp should look towards Van Dijk to solve his defensive problems.
“I think a centre-half like Van Dijk - if they can get him - will be a huge signing for Liverpool," Cottee said.
“They do need more strength in depth.
Liverpool reportedly want to beat Chelsea to Virgil van Dijk
Southampton do not want to sell Van Dijk
“The way they play, it leads to them needing a strong back four and two strong centre-halves.
“If you’re going to play a pressing game and push forward, which is what he wants, he needs reliable defenders.
“They’re not far away but he’s not quite got it right yet.”
Chelsea are plotting a big-money deal to land Van Dijk, which would net his former club Celtic a £6m cut in the sale.
Chelsea have launched a £60m push to sign Van Dijk (left)
The Blues have been solid in defence so far this season but manager Antonio Conte is supposedly seeking another centre-back to add competition to David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma, with veteran John Terry now a long way down the pecking order for selection.
Conte is also aware of City's desperation for a defender and is keen to land Van Dijk before Pep Guardiola's side launch their own bid.
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