da fazobetai： On Wednesday, rumours surfaced that Liverpool were ready to make a January transfer bid for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.
da cassino： Of course, it wouldn’t be the first time the Reds have raided the south coast outfit for one of their star players, with Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Sadio Mane all having made the move from St Mary’s Stadium to Anfield in recent years.
Van Dijk, who only signed a new six-year deal with the Saints earlier this year, has quickly established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and has won more aerial duels (35) than any other defender in the top flight this term, while he is also comfortable bringing the ball out from the back.
But if the 25-year-old were to move on and leave a gaping hole in the Southampton defence, who could they target to replace him?
OMAR COLLEY
As reported on Monday, Southampton boss Claude Puel is understood to be keeping a close eye on Genk centre-back Colley, who has been putting in some impressive performances for the Belgian side following a move to join them from Djurgardens in the summer.
Standing at 6ft. 3″, the 24-year-old certainly comes in at a similar height to Van Dijk, meaning he would provide that aerial presence at the back. As well as that, he offers experience of European football as he is currently featuring in the Europa League with his club.
BEN GIBSON
After some impressive performances for Middlesbrough in the Premier League this term, which followed an impressive campaign as Boro achieved promotion from the Championship, the 23-year-old has been tipped to receive an England call-up soon by teammate Stewart Downing.
We know how Southampton like their young English players and Gibson, who has proven to be a consistent performer and has captained his club side on a number of occasions, is likely to be on their radar, whether Van Dijk departs St Mary’s or not.
JASON DENAYER
When the rumours were flying around that Saints captain Jose Fonte could join Manchester United at the end of the summer transfer window, one name they were linked with to replace him was Jason Denayer.
The Manchester City man has since joined Premier League rivals Sunderland on a season-long loan deal, but the Belgium international is likely to be on the radar of the south coast outfit, especially after the 21-year-old enjoyed successful temporary spells away at Celtic and Galatasaray before moving to the Stadium of Light, should Van Dijk leave.