Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Virgil van Dijk and Naby Keita

Former Liverpool player Danny Murphy has said he believes the Reds are progressing in their bid to capture Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.

The pundit told Sport360.com (h/t Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo) the club are closing in on their target as they shape their squad ahead of the new season. 

"Personally, the problem for Liverpool was more defensive (last season)," Murphy said. "I think the Van Dijk thing is close. That would be a phenomenal signing. But there's definitely more business to be done at Anfield."

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According to Steve Bates of the Sunday Mirror, the Dutchman has told the Saints he wishes to depart the south coast, and Liverpool are his choice if a transfer deal can be constructed. Southampton pulled the plug on Liverpool's initial approach, accusing them of allegedly tapping up the player as they alerted the Premier League.

Van Dijk missed the end of the last season with injury, but his reputation as one of England's top defenders has been earned.

The centre-back played 21 times in the Premier League last term, achieving a passing accuracy of 84 per cent, according to Squawka.com.

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In other Reds news, manager Jurgen Klopp's chase of Naby Keita has taken a huge dent after RB Leipzig turned down a large offer.

Sport Bild (h/t Mark Brus of Metro) reported Liverpool have offered £57 million for the midfielder, but his team have turned down the approach. Klopp was prepared to break his club's transfer record to sign the burgeoning talent.

According to The Times' Paul Joyce, Keita might now have to put in a transfer request if he desires a switch to the Premier League.

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Keita has taken the Bundesliga by storm, and Klopp clearly sees him as a vital building block this summer.

The 22-year-old Guinea international would offer Liverpool a dynamic option in the middle of the park, with his passing ability opening up defences with ease.

Van Dijk has consistently been linked with the Reds since last season, and Liverpool need a centre-back to improve their shaky defence.

Klopp has formed an exciting attacking unit on Merseyside, but his lack of a defence will concern Liverpool fans as they venture into the UEFA Champions League once more.