Liverpool backed to complete the signing of quality defender

Kevin Kilbane has backed Liverpool to sign Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk ahead of Premier League leaders Manchester City.

The 26-year old was strongly linked with a move to Liverpool during the summer transfer window but the Saints refused to sell at the end.

He has now been linked with the Reds once again as well as Manchester City during the January transfer window.

City currently look destined to win the Premier League as they have a 16-point lead over second placed Manchester United.

Should Van Dijk join the Citizens, his playing time could however be very restricted and Kilbane believes that he should join the Reds.

He said: “We’re led to believe – and I believe it to be true – Klopp has turned his head massively. Klopp has sold the Liverpool dream to Van Dijk.

“He was going to choose Liverpool over Chelsea and Man City who were in for him at the time. He sees a real legacy prospect in going to Liverpool.

“Even long after he’s finished, he sees himself as a player who could be long associated with that club. That’s the thing Klopp sold to him.

“Given the choice, he could win the Premier league if he goes to Man City but is he going to change his mind that dramatically in a couple of months? I think if Liverpool come back in, he’ll go there.”