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Transfer news: Liverpool given steep prices for top two targets

By David Gate

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - JULY 11: Naby Keita (R) of Salzburg and Dominic Gape of Southampton fight for the ball during the pre-season match for the 3rd place between FC Red Bull Salzburg and Southampton FC as part of the Audi Quattro Cup 2015 at Red Bull Arena on July 11, 2015 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - JULY 11: Naby Keita (R) of Salzburg and Dominic Gape of Southampton fight for the ball during the pre-season match for the 3rd place between FC Red Bull Salzburg and Southampton FC as part of the Audi Quattro Cup 2015 at Red Bull Arena on July 11, 2015 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images) /
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Liverpool have a better idea of what it is going to cost to improve their first team after getting steep valuations for Naby Keita and Virgil van Dijk.

With one of Jurgen Klopp’s top three transfer targets already at the club we now know what it will take to bring in the other two. Reports from both RB Leipzig and Southampton have given Red fans a look at some eye-watering price tags. Red Bull midfield dynamo Naby Keita has been given a €80 million (£70 million) value. Premier League club Southampton are also quoting £70 million for Virgil van Dijk. Anyone have a spare £140 million lying around?

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Naby Keita

There has been solid reports that Liverpool were willing to lay down £50 million for Keita. The encouragement for Liverpool is  RB Leipzig’s openness to selling their star player. They are a cash rich club heading into the Champions League for the first time. It was unlikely they would let him go. But everyone has a price. And the price for Naby Keita is £70 million. While that is a lot of money I don’t think it will be an issue. They see the Guinean as real difference maker. A sensational player who will help the team both offensively and defensively. If they really will sell him then I think we get this one done.

Virgil van Dijk

We all know about the debacle surrounding Virgil van Dijk. The price being reported at the time was around £50 million. After we put our proverbial ‘foot in it’ that price has risen steeply.  He is for sale but the premium just leapt by £20 million. It is hard to see us pay that much for a center back. Even one as good as van Dijk. However if Southampton are willing to sit at a table and talk there could be a compromise. The main worry again is not money. This time it is Chelsea. The London club are also keen and don’t have the rocky history with Southampton that we do. I am fine spending the money on him. Better to blow the whole budget on quality than quantity anyway.