Liverpool must pay £70m for Dutch defender

Liverpool have been told to cough up a club-record £70m in order to pursue the signature of Jurgen Klopp favourite Virgil van Dijk.

The Netherlands international was initially tipped to join the Reds earlier this month before Southampton failed a complaint on an illegal approach.

Klopp had sent a series of secret messages to Van Dijk, who had verbally agreed personal terms, and this infuriated the Saints.

Liverpool had therein released an official statement stating that they will not pursue Van Dijk anymore, but Klopp is still keen on pushing through a move, The Express claims.

According to The Express, the South Coast outfit are looking to make a huge profit from Van Dijk, who cost them just £13m from Celtic in 2015.

Southampton are currently holding out for a £70m fee on their leading performer thereby allowing the Reds a chance to discuss a suitable agreement.

Chelsea's David Luiz is currently the world's most expensive defender after having previously made a switch to Paris Saint-Germain for £50m in 2014.