Virgil van Dijk replacement identified as sources drop Liverpool transfer news
Liverpool have ramped up efforts to sign a replacement for Virgil van Dijk as the Reds captain enters the final four months of his contract.
Having started in each of Liverpool’s 25 Premier League games this term, Van Dijk is showing no signs of slowing down at the highest level of football.
However, the Netherlands international faces an uncertain future at Anfield as he is in the final five months of his contract with the Anfield outfit.
While it remains to be seen where the future lies for the 33-year-old, the Reds appear to have already found a replacement for the defender.
Liverpool want Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen
Liverpool have set their sights on signing a new centre-back in the summer, with Bournemouth ace Dean Huijsen already viewed as an option, according to TEAMtalk.
The news outlet reported via their website on 17 February reported that the Merseyside-based club are confident of keeping Van Dijk for at least another year, but regard the 19-year-old as a long-term replacement for the centre-back.
However, Arne Slot’s side face competition from Chelsea for Huijsen’s signature, with the Blues already in contact with the defender’s agent.
As for the Spain Under-21s international, he has a £50million release clause in his contract at Bournemouth that becomes active in the summer.
Bournemouth want Dean Huijsen contract extension
The sum is comparatively cheaper for one of the best young talents in the Premier League and Bournemouth are aware of it as well.
Andoni Iraola’s side are, therefore, attempting to tie the centre-back to a new deal at the Vitality Stadium and increase his release clause in the process.
Huijsen, though, is aware that he is in high demand ahead of the summer and is likely to leave Bournemouth before next season.
Liverpool are, meanwhile, considering making an offer for the former Juventus ace as sources state the player ticks a lot of the Reds’ boxes.
Apart from Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah are also in the final five months of their contracts at Anfield.
It remains to be seen if the three of them will put pen to paper on fresh deals with the Merseyside-based club.