Klopp pulls out of race for Premier League defender
Liverpool are reportedly not interested in signing Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman has been heavily linked with a move away from St Mary’s in recent weeks and Express Sport understands Jurgen Klopp is big fan of the defender.
Van Dijk’s displays for Southampton since his move from Celtic have made him one of the most in demand defenders in the league, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Everton and the Reds all thought to be interested in his services.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have now pulled out of the race with Klopp keen to strengthen in other areas first.
The report claims the Merseyside outfit won’t pursue a deal in January as Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are expected to return from injury to bolster the German’s defensive options.
News of Liverpool dropping out of the race for Van Dijk will boost Manchester United’s chances of landing a deal.
Jose Mourinho is keen to improve his defence in January and is hopeful of luring the 25-year-old, along with team-mate Jose Fonte, to Old Trafford.
Mourinho is an admirer of the Euro 2016 winner and Southampton look set to let the experienced centre-back leave.
Source: Daily Express
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