Liverpool FC transfer news: Reds agree £75m fee for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk – reports

Liverpool have agreed a £75m fee with Southampton for defender Virgil van Dijk, according to reports.

The Netherlands international looks set to become the most expensive defender in the history of the game when he completes a January transfer to Anfield, barring any late super-bid from either Manchester City or Chelsea, who have both been credited with an interest in the 26-year-old.

Liverpool were hoping to sign Van Dijk during the summer, but they were reported to the Premier League by Southampton over an alleged tapping-up of the player.

The Anfield club were ready to pay £60m for the defender, but have had to raise their offer by £15m to get the deal wrapped up in January.

The £75m fee will make Van Dijk the most expensive defender in world football, breaking the previous record set last summer, when Manchester City spent £54m to sign Kyle Walker from Tottenham Hotspur.