As reported by The Sun, Southampton boss Claude Puel is resigned to losing Virgil van Dijk this summer with Liverpool, Everton and Chelsea all seeking his services.

What's the story?

Van Dijk hasn't featured for the Saints since January after suffering an ankle injury, but that hasn't stopped speculation surrounding his exit from St Mary's this summer.

The Sun reckon that Claude Puel sees the situation as urgent enough to seek a £10m replacement in the form of Toulouse centre back Christopher Jullien.

That opens the door for the likes of Liverpool to seal the deal for the Dutch international this summer, who the paper say is rated at £50m.

Difference maker

Liverpool have suffered defensively this season, conceding more goals than any team in the top seven of the English Premier League.

The likes of Dejan Lovren have suffered from poor form and a lack of confidence, leaving Liverpool fans hoping of defensive reinforcements in the summer.

Van Dijk was in imperious form in the first half of the season before his injury, arguably the top performing defender in the entire division.

Securing his signature could be a difference maker for Liverpool, the missing piece of the Jurgen Klopp puzzle. If he can add defensive stability to the Reds then they'll have both the attacking and defensive prowess to launch a serious title bid next season.

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