Liverpool’s ‘target trio’ following Virgil van Dijk concerns is terrible news for Tottenham.

Liverpool’s ‘target trio’ following Virgil van Dijk concerns is terrible news for Tottenham

Liverpool are looking to bolster their defense before the transfer market closes on September 1st, and their shortlist could be terrible news for Tottenham. Virgil van Dijk, the new captain of Liverpool, has expressed reservations about his team’s chances in the upcoming season, which begins this weekend.

Van Dijk will captain the Reds against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but the Dutchman stated this week: “Obviously, when a lot of players leave, when your captain leaves, your vice-captain leaves, and at the moment, there are only two incomings.”

“And the way we’ve been playing, really good in possession but not so good defensively when you concede goals, I can understand some people having doubts.” Liverpool are still trying to get Romeo Lavia from Southampton after acquiring Dominik Szoboszlai and Alex Mac Allister in midfield.

However, Jurgen Klopp is also looking for a left-sided central defender, and The Athletic reports that Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio, Torino’s Perr Schuurs, and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi are also candidates. Levi Colwill was desired, but he chose to sign a new long-term contract with Chelsea.

And Schuurs, another name being considered, is one of Ange Postecoglou’s goals for Tottenham. Despite the fact that the Dutchman signed Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg for up to £43 million on Tuesday, the Australian has stated that he would like one more defender through the door.

“We’ve got to make sure that we keep the squad manageable and see what happens with outgoings,” he explained, “but yeah, the potential is there to bring in one more.”

According to Express Sport, Schuurs is one of the choices for the north Londoners, with Palace also interested in the 23-year-old Dutch under-21 international. Liverpool, who has Europa League football to offer, may be able to outbid both teams if they increase their interest.

If Klopp and co. do make an offer, Spurs’ major alternative – Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba – has surfaced as a Manchester United option. The Red Devils are also interested in Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard and Nice’s Jean Clair Todibo.

United are in talks with Bayern Munich about signing Pavard, who would cost £26 million and replace West Ham’s Harry Maguire. Spurs will be hoping that the Frenchman moves to Old Trafford, giving them a free run at Tapsoba if Liverpool sign ex-Ajax midfielder Schuurs.

If United’s negotiations with Pavard fail, Burkina Faso international Tapsoba, 24, is a capable Plan B. Guehi was also reported as a Tottenham target earlier this summer, but Palace would want roughly £50 million for the Englishman, who signed from Chelsea two years ago, and that price tag would be little out of their range.