“World-class” £90m star named as Liverpool’s top target

Liverpool have identified a “world-class” defender as their top target to replace Virgil van Dijk, with the Dutchman still yet to put pen to paper on a new contract.

Van Dijk’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, but he has remained a key player throughout the opening stages of the campaign, featuring in 14 of the Reds’ 15 matches across all competitions.

Consequently, reporter Fraser Fletcher has revealed the club are now open to a 12-month extension, as there is a belief the likes of Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni could develop under the guidance of the 35-year-old.

Jamie Carragher has already suggsested Jacquet is the best player to play alongside Van Dijk at Anfield, saying: “It’s also to do with Virgil’s age, but it almost feels like Jacquet is the first centre-back who’s starting to look after Virgil rather than the other way around.

“Even though he’s only played eight Premier League games, I already feel he’s an upgrade on everybody else Virgil has played alongside. I know it’s early to say, but he really does look the part. Virgil was always going to need that at some stage where he just has to play his own game.”

However, replacing the Netherlands international would be a difficult task, and the Reds remain keen on bringing in another centre-back, with a Premier League star now emerging as a major target.

Liverpool pinpoint Luka Vuskovic as top centre-back target

Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

According to a report from Caught Offside, Liverpool have now identified Brighton defender Luka Vuskovic as their top target to replace Van Dijk, although a deal could be very expensive, with the Seagulls expected to hold out for around £85m – £90m.

A source added: “Brighton are realistic and pragmatic about this, they know, because it’s part of their whole strategy, that eventually Vuskovic is going to leave for big money. Liverpool view him as elite, and perfect to slot in to Andoni Iraola’s system.”

Levi Colwill remains in the frame as an alternative option, but Chelsea are reluctant to sanction a sale, and Vuskovic could be a fantastic signing, having been lauded as “world-class” by Hamburg star Nicolai Remberg.

Since joining the Seagulls from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, the Croatian has established himself as one of Fabian Hurzeler’s key players, starting all of their Premier League matches, and an average of 9.6 defensive contributions per 90 is the highest in the squad.

Journalist Richard Jolly has been very impressed by his performances too, saying: “Luka Vuskovic is outstanding and has already stood out as one of the candidates for signing of the season.”

Liverpool fans won’t want to see Van Dijk depart just yet, given that he has remained an important player this season, and his experience could be of great use when it comes to developing Jacquet and Leoni.

However, at 35-years-old, the legendary centre-back may be in the twilight years of his career, and at just 19-years-old, Vuskovic could be an excellent long-term replacement.