?Liverpool are set to return to Southampton for yet another player in the summer, as German boss Jurgen Klopp looks to strengthen his side for next season.
That is according to The Times, who are claiming that the Reds will also look to bring Naby Keita in from RB Leipzig.
The Reds look certain to qualify for the Champions League this year, and Klopp is said to be planning a comprehensive restructure within his squad.
His first priority is the team’s defence, which has so far conceded 40 goals. The back four have been a real sore point at times. And with Mamadou Sakho set to move on at the end of the season, despite his remarkable form at Crystal Palace, the manager is ready to spend £50m on Saints defender Virgil van Dijk, who was arguably the best centre-back in the top flight before his injury.
Sakho has certainly boosted his transfer value at Palace, and the Reds will be looking to cash in and use that money to help buy Van Dijk.
Southampton want to keep their star defender, but are said to be thinking realistically and are willing to negotiate a fee.
The St Mary’s side have sold Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren and Sadio Mane to the Reds in the past, and it looks like the tradition will continue on this year.
Klopp is also keen on strengthening his midfield, and has made Keita a prime target. The £26m-rated 22-year-old has performed brilliantly for Leipzig this season, scoring eight goals and handing out seven assists in 27 appearances for the Bundesliga side, and is viewed as the perfect potential addition to the Reds’ squad.
Kavan Flavius is a regular contributor to the Official Chelsea Guest Fan Blog, find him on Twitter@KavanFlavius.
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