Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Virgil van Dijk and Ruben Neves

Both Liverpool and Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk reportedly remain confident a deal can be concluded between the two clubs this summer.

Earlier in the window, the Reds issued an apology to Saints in regard to their pursuit of the centre-back and stated they had consequently ended their interest in the player. Southampton had reported Liverpool to the Premier League over a supposed illegal approach.

However, according to Oliver Kay of The Times, there is still a belief a deal can be done. The Anfield HQ Twitter account provided more details from Kay's report:

The Netherlands international had made it clear he was keen to link up with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp at Anfield in a deal that was set to be worth around £60 million, per Andy Hunter of the Guardian.

But the Reds' apology and retraction of interest seemed to scupper any hopes the transfer would get over the line. Liverpool supporters will be delighted to know this one could yet get done. According to Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports News HQ, the Merseyside club could face stiff competition from Chelsea:

If Van Dijk does make the move to Liverpool, he would be a statement acquisition because he has the potential to push the team to new heights.

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The Southampton man was one of the standout defenders in the Premier League last season before injury curtailed his campaign in January. Physical, composed and intelligent, Van Dijk is the complete modern-day centre-back and on the cusp of what should be the peak years of his career.

Still, given the fallout between Liverpool and Saints, not to mention the champions' reported interest, it feels as though this transfer will be a difficult to wrap up for the Merseyside club.

Ruben Neves in Surprise Wolves Link

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According to O Jogo (h/t Sport Witness), Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers have struck a €20 million (£17 million) deal with FC Porto for reported Liverpool target Ruben Neves.

As reported, Neves was tipped for stardom in the past, having burst on to the scene with Porto and being named club captain as a teenager. However, he struggled last term, with his development suffering a setback.

Nevertheless, few would have expected the 20-year-old to be close to joining a second-tier side in English football. Per Sport Witness, outlets in Portugal believe it's a done deal:

Football journalist Jan Hagen outlined some reasons why this surprise transfer may well come off:

The Reds have long been tipped as suitors for the player, with A Bola suggesting in June that Liverpool and Chelsea were considering moves for him (h/t Tom Olver of Metro).

Although Neves didn't enjoy the strongest campaign in 2016-17, he has shown enough in his short career to suggest he can go on to accomplish plenty. The youngster is strong on the ball, composed in his distribution and capable of striding forward in possession too.

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Liverpool could do with a player of his style. Klopp has a lot of quality in the middle of the park, although aside from Lucas Leiva, the Reds lacked a natural holding midfielder last season. Neves relishes sitting deep, picking the pockets of opponents and then getting his side going.

But the Portuguese looks poised to embark on a new adventure in the Championship, a path few would have envisaged one of Europe's hottest prospects taking a year ago.