Liverpool Transfer News: Virgil van Dijk Deal 'Expected,' Latest Reds Rumours

A source close to Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk "expects him" to move to Liverpool in the current transfer window. 

That's according to Sky Sports News, which reported the centre-back is keen on making the switch to Anfield having been left out of Saints' squad for their pre-season camp in France.

Liverpool were reported to the Premier League by Southampton over a supposed illegal approach for the Dutchman earlier this summer, prompting an apology from the Reds.

"There is no suggestion that Liverpool have done anything wrong since they apologised and ended their interest, while Southampton's position remains that Van Dijk is not for sale," per Sky Sports. "Chelsea and Manchester City are also interested in the player."

As reported by James Whaling and Adrian Kajumba of the Daily Mirror, Van Dijk is training alone having refused to play for Saints.

Gianni Verschueren of Bleacher Report pondered whether he would be the right type of character to have at Anfield:

In terms of his playing style, he would be welcome at Liverpool. The Reds were exhilarating in attack last season, but their defensive play let them down regularly.

Ian Walton/Getty Images

Having a player of Van Dijk's calibre at centre-back would help alleviate a lot of those issues. The Dutchman is strong, athletic and reads the game well. He's a player who would cope well with being occasionally exposed, too, as is the norm when operating in defence for a team with a cavalier attitude.

Issues between the two clubs may make this a complicated deal, and the Reds will surely be treading on egg shells if they do make another bid for Van Dijk. Yet, with two of the three parties wanting to see this go ahead, it would be a surprise if the centre-back wasn't wearing all red next season.

RB Leipzig Chasing Naby Keita Replacement

Jens Meyer/Associated Press

According to Bild (h/t Coral Barry of Metro), RB Leipzig are looking for a replacement for star midfielder Naby Keita, who has been strongly linked with Liverpool.

While the Bundesliga side have previously been adamant that Keita will not move on, it's suggested Leipzig are ready to reconsider their stance, with sporting director Ralf Rangnick on the hunt for another combative midfielder.

According to Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph, Liverpool are ready to postpone their interest in the player until next summer, when a release clause of £48 million becomes active in his contract. Per the piece, the Reds have already had offers of £57 million and £66 million rejected for the 22-year-old.

Keita's rise has been rapid in the last 12 months, as he helped Leipzig enjoy a brilliant debut season in the Bundesliga. Here's a look at some of his best moments from the campaign:

Despite being a key man last season all doesn't appear well with the Guinea international at the moment. Keita lunged into a tackle in training on Monday, leaving midfield partner Diego Demme in a crumpled heap on the floor, per Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN.co.uk.