According to reports in The Guardian, Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk has told Liverpool that he wants to join them this summer.

Despite being on the sidelines since January because of injury, the Dutchman made so much of an impression in the previous 18 months with the Saints that a number of top Premier League teams – including the Reds, Manchester City and Chelsea – had been linked with what would be a world-record move for a defender.

There has been a range of prices from £50m-£70m reported in the media in recent weeks, and it is unclear how much the 25-year-old will cost if he does indeed make the move to Merseyside.

But with a transfer seeming more and more likely, the south coast outfit will know that they will need to bring in a replacement for their captain to fill the huge void that he will leave if he exits St Mary’s.

As shown with the signings of Dejan Lovren, Toby Alderweireld and Van Dijk in recent years, Saints are likely to look abroad for an up and coming defender but that doesn't mean English-based players should be discounted either.

Here are five Van Dijk replacements Southampton could sign…

Harry Maguire

Hull City may have suffered an immediate relegation back to the Championship but Maguire’s impressive performances for the Tigers throughout the campaign should ensure that he is a Premier League player next season.

The 24-year-old put in a string of committed performances at the back – making 135 clearances throughout the top flight campaign – and as well as being willing to put his body on the line, the centre-back is also comfortable at bringing the ball out from the back – something that Van Dijk likes to do himself.

While he may cost a hefty fee – being English, of course – it might be a price worth paying for a defender that looks to have a bright future.

Mauricio Lemos

The 21-year-old established himself as one of the best centre-backs in La Liga for Las Palmas this season and he is starting to attract interest from a number of clubs, including Everton.

After scoring five goals in 23 league appearances – and being considered something of a free-kick expert – he has shown that he is as much of a threat going forward as he is strong at the back.

Lemos made 72 clearances and 39 interceptions this term and he is also comfortable on the ball having completed 10 out of the 11 take ons he attempted.

Ruben Semedo

Southampton have long been linked with a move for the Sporting Lisbon centre-back, and they may finally get their man this summer.

The 23-year-old is big and imposing like Van Dijk, while he is also comfortable on the ball like the Dutchman and his 90% pass accuracy from 24 league appearances for the Portuguese outfit this season is particularly impressive.

However, there will be a few worries that the defender – who is also interesting Newcastle United – often found himself on the substitutes’ bench in the closing stages of the season, while he was also red-carded on two separate occasions.

Issa Diop

The 20-year-old has shot to prominence following a number of standout performances at the back for Toulouse this season, and he looks certain to move on to bigger things sooner rather than later.

He made 30 Ligue 1 appearances for the French outfit this term and showed his strength in the air – winning 42 aerial duels – while he also made 117 clearances and 50 interceptions.

Like Van Dijk, he is another centre-back that is comfortable bringing the ball out from the back – completing 14 take ons – and that will be an attractive trait for Southampton as they look for a replacement for the Dutchman.

Kara Mbodji

At 27 years of age, Mbodji is a lot older than the other players on this list but Southampton may feel that they need a more experienced head at the back if they lose someone of the quality of Van Dijk.

The Senegal international has interested Leicester City in the past and according to The Sun he looks set to leave Anderlecht this summer having suffered racial abuse from his own supporters.

With experience of playing European football and having shone in the two legs of his side’s Europa League semi-final tie against Manchester United, there seems to be a real feeling that he can prove to be a hit in the Premier League.

Do you agree, Saints fans? Let us know below.