According to Micky Quinn on talkSPORT, Southampton are set to receive a bid from Liverpool for centre-back Virgil van Dijk in January.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Merseyside-born former Newcastle United striker has suggested that the Dutch defender could be the latest Saints player that the Reds are interested in bringing to Anfield as they look to maintain their chase for the Premier League title in the second half of the season.

Liverpool have already signed Dejan Lovren, Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and Sadio Mane from Southampton in recent years.

Quinn said: “I believe they’re interested in Van Dijk, when the transfer window opens up.

“They love a Southampton player, they’ll probably go back again.”

Would he be a good signing for Liverpool?

Undoubtedly, Van Dijk has quickly established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League ever since making the move to St Mary’s from Celtic in 2015.

While he is so dominant when it comes to aerial duels – he has won more (35) than any other defender in the English top flight this term - he is also comfortable bringing the ball out from the back too.

Would he really leave in January?

Probably not. The 25-year-old only signed a new six-year deal with the south coast outfit earlier this year and is a vital part of the current side, captaining them when Jose Fonte has been absent from the starting XI.

Basically, it would take a huge offer – possibly even more than the initial £34m fee that Sadio Mane was prised away from St Mary’s in the summer – for Southampton and Claude Puel to even consider it.

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