The Telegraph‘s Chris Bascombe detailed Liverpool’s negotiations for Van Dijk, saying “Fenway Sports Group assured the Southampton hierarchy they would not make any approach unless invited.”
“Rather than seek an alternative centre-back, Klopp sought to wait for the player he really wants and follow a long-term plan,” he added.
With Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and Joe Gomez as Klopp’s current options at the back, Bascombe believes “Liverpool are sure to revive their interest in Van Dijk in January, or even wait until next summer.”
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However, French publication L’Equipe claim that Lemar had told Monaco it was “the Reds or nothing else,” setting his sights on a move to Anfield.
They also report that Monaco repeatedly increased their valuation of the winger during talks, and that the two clubs are likely to reconvene in January.
The Reds’ abject end to the summer transfer window has left many on Merseyside deflated, but the prospect of Van Dijk and Lemar arriving next year should be a major boost.
