Liverpool Transfer News: Virgil van Dijk Rumours, Latest on Gabriel Barbosa

Southampton are said to have slapped a £45 million valuation on star defender and reported Liverpool target Virgil van Dijk, as they seek to keep him at the club beyond the January transfer window.

That's according to Greg Stobart of Squawka, who reported there are a clutch of clubs interested in landing the Dutch international. In addition to the Reds, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton are all said to be admirers of Van Dijk.

But Stobart also noted the Saints don't want to sell their defensive linchpin and will demand the aforementioned sum before entertaining any offers midseason. "Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a known admirer of Van Dijk and in the market for a centre-back," he added.

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The Southampton man has emerged as one of the very best defenders in the Premier League this season. Per Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, Manchester United icon Gary Neville and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher have included Van Dijk in their Teams of the Season so far:

Van Dijk would be a fantastic signing for any of the aforementioned sides. As a pure defender, the former Celtic man has been tremendous, winning aerial battles, physically dominating forwards and reading the game superbly.

Additionally, the centre-back can play a bit too, which is vital for the top teams in the league. Van Dijk is adept at carrying the ball out from the back, picking passes into midfield and even pinging balls out to the flank. The Dutchman is looking more and more like the complete package.

The Reds aren't desperate for centre-backs as things stand, with summer signings Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan impressing alongside Joel Matip. Given the valuation the Saints are said to have placed on Van Dijk, it's unlikely he'll be making a midseason move to Anfield.

Gabriel Barbosa Set for Loan Move

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Inter Milan striker and reported Liverpool target Gabriel Barbosa could reportedly be set for a loan move in the January window to ensure he gets more playing time.

The player's agent, Wagner Ribeiro, told ESPN Brasil (h/t Liam Corless of the Daily Mirror) that his client is frustrated at not getting time on the field.

"I thought they could give Gabriel a chance, but nothing of the sort has happened," he said. "Obviously, he's now going through a natural maturing process. He grew up in a different culture, football here is faster, but he thought he was coming to Italy to play."

However, it's noted in the report that, according to Ribeiro, a move to a "smaller Italian or Spanish team" is more likely than a switch to the Premier League. Per Corless, Liverpool, Arsenal and Las Palmas have shown interest in the striker.

After excelling with Santos, Barbosa arrived at Inter with a big reputation. Here's a look at why many consider the 20-year-old among the game's most exciting prospects:

Despite his obvious talent, the man known as Gabigol has yet to start a game in Serie A this season for the Nerazzurri. It's not as if Inter are flourishing without him either, as they sit in seventh in the table.

While Mauro Icardi has excelled up top with 12 goals this season, plenty of Inter fans are keen to see more of the Brazil international. While he wouldn't be guaranteed first-team football at Anfield, Barbosa is someone the Reds would be wise to keep tabs on, given his potential.