---
title: "Liverpool make a breakthrough in Virgil van Dijk pursuit"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-make-breakthrough-virgil-van-dijk-pursuit/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Brian Gosden"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2017-12-23T22:29:16Z"
modified: "2017-12-23T22:29:16Z"
---

# Liverpool make a breakthrough in Virgil van Dijk pursuit

Liverpool have made a breakthrough in their pursuit of long-time transfer target, Virgil van Dijk, according to a report from Kevin Palmer of the [Sunday World](https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/liverpool/liverpool-finally-make-a-breakthrough-in-their-pursuit-of-virgil-van-dijk-report-36434315.html).

The Reds were hopeful of signing the Dutchman last summer but were forced to apologise to Southampton after it was revealed that they’d made an illegal approach towards him.

Liverpool ended their interest in Van Dijk at that moment and the decision was made to only pursue him further if they were given encouragement by the Saints.

![Jan Kruger/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2017/12/875777286.jpg)

At the time, that encouragement never came but in recent days, it looks like the South Coast side have softened their stance and as such, Palmer reports that a deal worth around £70m is close to being completed.

Manchester City are also rumoured to be interested in the Dutch international but is has long been believed that he has his sights firmly set on a move to Anfield.

If the deal comes off, Liverpool would be adding a defender who is eligible to play in the Champions League knockout stages.