OPINION
Liverpool are just one of two key players away from really challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title next season and it’s clear their defence could still do with an upgrade.
The Merseyside club splashed out £75million for centre-back Virgil van Dijk in January and he already looks a settled figure at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s side now have the opportunity in the summer to find him the perfect partner and have to switch their attention over to Tottenham sensation Toby Alderweireld.
Belgian newspaper HLN report that Spurs are resigned to losing the 29-year-old at the end of the season, but will demand £44million for his signature.
Liverpool should be on the phone straight away to their Premier League rivals and coughing up the near-£50million sum for him, which really would look like daylight robbery.
Alderweireld has been the best centre-back in the Premier League over the last few years and the Belgium international would significantly improve Klopp’s starting XI.
The no-nonsense defender reads the game exceptionally well and is also very strong in possession.
A potential Van Dijk-Alderweireld partnership should be enough to frighten any centre-forward and they could take the Merseyside club all the way to their first Premier League title.
Alderweirled’s exit from Spurs looks like becoming a reality this summer, but you can bet that there will be a long queue of suitors for a truly world-class defender.
It seems unbelievable that he will be available for so cheap given the current state of the market, but his contract dispute has played a large role and Liverpool should cough up the cash for a player of his quality