Liverpool’s defensive woes have been a big bone of contention this season and has been one of the main reasons for them dropping out of the Premier League title challenge.
While summer signing Joel Matip has impressed in the backline, Dejan Lovren has struggled for consistency and hasn’t been helped by a string of injuries. Another summer arrival, Ragnar Klavan hasn’t been able to convince Klopp and hence making a new centre-back addition the biggest priority in the summer transfer window.
A lot of names have been linked with a move, but one name that has been doing the rounds for quite some time now and keeps recurring is Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman has been one of the best centre-halves over the past two years in the Premier League and has been targeted by many bigwigs of England. However, Southampton are reluctant to sell him for any amount less than £50million, which might prove to be slightly steep. While Liverpool would be more than able to stump up that amount of money, here are two cheaper alternatives for them to consider over the summer if they feel that the asking price is a bit too much.
The Burnley defender is another name who has been heavily linked with a summer move to Anfield and is someone who could improve the Liverpool defence to a great extent.
The 24-year old has been one of the best players in the league this season and has been rightly nominated for the PFA Young Player Of The Year award. He has been extremely vital for the Clarets and has helped them stay away from the relegation battle and has shown tremendous signs that he can grow into the future of England.
With his contract set to expire in 2018, Burnley will be keen to cash in him this summer, rather than risk losing him for free. Liverpool stand a good chance of getting him for a price much lesser than what they may have to pay for van Dijk.
Van Dijk’s compatriot and Lazio defender Stefan De Vrij is certainly the kind of player that Liverpool need at the back.
A rugged no-nonsense defender, who is strong in tackles and equally adept in the air, the 25-year old has been a rock at the back for the Italian club. His reading of the game allows him to make crucial interceptions to nip the attacks in the bud and he is adept at distributing the ball out of the back accurately too. A mainstay at the back for Lazio for almost three years now, his experience in the Italian top division could be a great asset.
De Vrij’s contract too is set to expire at the end of the next season and as a result could be available on the cheap. With Champions League football an almost certainty for Liverpool, tempting him to move to Anfield wouldn’t be a problem either.
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