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Virgil van Dijk will join Liverpool from Southampton this summer - Stuart Pearce
VIRGIL VAN DIJK will complete his long-awaited move from Southampton to Liverpool before the transfer window slams shut.
Virgil van Dijk shows off his defensive skills
That is the opinion of former England and Nottingham Forest defender Stuart Pearce.
Van Dijk is keen on leaving Southampton and has today handed in a transfer request.
Liverpool showed serious interest in the Netherlands international earlier in the summer but saw their approach for him reported to the Premier League by Saints.
Jurgen Klopp's side released a statement apologising and stating they had ended their interest in the 26-year-old, who has been training on his own during pre-season.
Virgil van Dijk will join Liverpool from Southampton, thinks Stuart Pearce
I think Virgil van Dijk is an outstanding central defender, I think he'll end up at Liverpool
But rumours have persisted and Pearce believes a deal will happen with Van Dijk coming in to help solve Liverpool's defensive problems from last season.
"It will certainly help it," Pearce said on Sky Sports News.
"I thought the goalkeeping situation could have been improved.
"I think he's an outstanding central defender, I think he'll end up at Liverpool.
Stuart Pearce says Virgil van Dijk will improve Liverpool's defence
"I think it might take a couple of weeks to get over the line.
"It's a disappointing situation for Southampton, there's no doubt about that but I think movement will happen with Van Dijk.
"He's certainly one of the best centre halves available at present in this country. I think he will end up at Liverpool."
Van Dijk has made 55 Premier League appearances since arriving from Scottish giants Celtic in 2015, scoring four goals.
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