Liverpool transfer news: Virgil van Dijk picks Jurgen Klopp

Southampton defender snubs Man City and Chelsea to work with Anfield boss - all the latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip

Virgil van Dijk, Southampton
 
(Image credit: Glyn Kirk / AFP / Getty)

Liverpool transfer news: Klopp to build team around Fabregas

03 May

Has Jurgen Klopp taken a fancy to Cesc Fabregas? The Daily Mirror thinks so with the paper reporting that the Liverpool boss is "ambitiously targeting" the Chelsea midfielder for a summer move to Anfield.

Fabregas has been consigned to the bench at the Bridge under Antonio Conte but Klopp will lure the Spaniard to Anfield by promising to build his team around him, claims the paper.

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Liverpool's pursuit of Fabregas adds credence to the rumours that Lucas Leiva is likely to leave next month, but Galatasaray have thrown his proposed move to Turkey into doubt by declining to meet the Brazilian's wage demands.

At least, that's what Talksport claims with the broadcaster reporting that the 30-year-old midfielder still believes he merits the £3m annual salary that he's paid at Anfield. Not so, say Galatasaray, who are "unwilling to match his current deal" and unless Leiva backs down the move will be called off.

The ageing playmaker is out of contract at Liverpool in the summer and the smart money had been on his moving to Turkey. But with Galatasaray refusing to accede to his greed, Talksport says that Inter Milan may make a move for the South American.

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Liverpool transfer news: Klopp joins Patrik Schick hunt

28 April

He must have eyes in the back of his head, Jurgen Klopp, for rarely does a day go by without the Reds gaffer reportedly having someone in his sights. The latest player, claims the Daily Star is Sampdoria and Czech Republic international Patrik Schick.

The 21-year-old striker has scored 12 goals this season in Serie A and who this season has been linked to Inter Milan, Napoli, Roma and Borussia Dortmund not to mention Premier League rivals Spurs. The Star says the Reds scouts have been stalking the young marksman for a while but while Klopp is keen on making a summer offer, he may be beaten to the punch by Juventus.

Apparently the Italian giants are "prepared to use Rodrigo Bentancur as a makeweight in a deal", loaning the 19-year-old midfielder to Sampdoria, and forking out around £15m in cash, while taking Schick to Turin.

Meanwhile the Daily Mirror cautions Liverpool fans not to get too carried away at the thought of Bayern Munich's Brazilian star Douglas Costa moving to Anfield.

The rumour mill went into action when the winger "liked" a social media reference to Liverpool, sparking a frenzy of speculation that he could be on the brink of leaving Bayern where the Mirror says he's unhappy "due to a lack of game time". But a source close to Costa told German broadcaster Sport1: "Douglas will not go to Liverpool, he prefers to stay at Bayern Munich. It's a good life here."

Liverpool transfer news: Ryan Sessegnon to replace Moreno

27 April

Alberto Moreno will soon be packing his bags, says the Daily Star as Jurgen Klopp prepares to swoop for Fulham defender Ryan Sessegnon.

Still only sweet 16, Sessegnon has nonetheless become a hardened first-team regular at Fulham this season, making 24 appearances for the Championship side and demonstrating a maturity and composure way beyond his tender years. So impressed is Jurgen Klopp with what he's seen of Sessegnon, that the Liverpool manager believes he has what it takes to flourish in the Premier League and become a vital part of the Reds back-four for a decade or more.

As for Moreno, he will be sold in the summer with a return to his native Spain the most likely destination.

Another reason for why Klopp is ready to sign Sessegnon is provided by Italian outlet Calciomercato.com. It reports Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo saying that Jeremy Mathieu "wants to see out his deal at Barcelona" despite interest from Liverpool.

Klopp tailed the French defender last year and although he didn't get his man he was expected to have another crack this summer. Mathieu's current deal with Barcelona expires in 12 months and according to Mundo Deportivo the 33-year-old will see his contract to its conclusion.

Finally, another youngster said to be in Klopp's sights is Kian Flanagan of Crystal Palace. The 17-year-old has been scouted by Liverpool and Spurs this season after impressing for the Eagles Under-23 side and according to the Daily Star, the Reds are poised to table an offer for the teenage midfielder at the end of the season.