Liverpool round-up: Southampton won’t sell Van Dijk; Keita could join next summer; winger set for loan

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Liverpool have received a blow in their hopes to sign Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk as Yahoo Sport report that the Saints are refusing to sell to Liverpool. They believe that the Saints are insistent that they will not give in and refuse to even enter into talks over a deal despite pressure from the Dutchman.

The report indicates that Southampton could instead sell to Chelsea or Manchester City and would consider a bid worth £70 million for the defender. Considering that he has submitted a transfer request to the club, it is a high asking price for the player who has not played since January.

More positive news has come though as Red Bull Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick has hinted that Naby Keita could leave the club next summer. He is quoted by the Mirror as revealing that two bids were rejected from Liverpool and he could leave this time next year as he said:

“Sometimes, players develop even faster than the club. When he plays a season like last year and, if possible, in the Champions League too – then we might be able to let a player join a big club and live with it. There were two offers from Liverpool and in between times also a telephone call between the clubs. But not between me and Jurgen Klopp. For us, it was always clear that we would not give Naby Keita.”

Liverpool were clearly determined to get their man, who was their top target in midfield this summer. Their failure to bring him in has led to many fans doubting whether or not this transfer window has been a success, with many hoping for a late summer signing to swing their opinion.

One player is set to see a move though as the Liverpool Echo say that young winger Sheyi Ojo is close to joining Fulham on a season long loan deal. The youngster traveled to Craven Cottage to hold talks with club officials this week and an announcement is likely before this weekend.

Ojo featured in pre-season but Jurgen Klopp clearly feels that he would be better served by getting match experience in the Championship, as he did in a loan spell with Wolverhampton Wanderers two years ago.