Liverpool: Southampton defender targeted; shock Sterling confession; England call-up for youngster

By Sam Leveridge

The Liverpool Echo are reporting on claims that the Reds could turn to their favourite shopping point and look to tempt central defender Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton after the Dutchman’s fine form has continued this season with the dominant 25-year-old on the scoresheet for Southampton last night against Inter Milan in the Europa League.

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It seems unlikely that Van Dijk would come cheap, since his value has soared since he completed a £13 million move from Celtic to the south coast. However, he would be a superb addition to the Liverpool back line and would provide competition with Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren.

Raheem Sterling has made a confession which may shock Liverpool fans, as if his controversial move to Manchester City had not already frustrated many, as he told the Premier League Show:

“I’ve never mentioned this to anyone but I’ll never forget when me and my agent were on our way to Liverpool on the train. At that time I was 15 years old and we were already talking about what we’d like to do after Liverpool if things didn’t turn out like we wanted… I remember saying to him by the time I’m 22, if I haven’t won anything or playing in the biggest competitions then I need to assess my options… At the time it was a great opportunity to come here and work with some of the best players in the world…  I’ve always loved Liverpool… It didn’t go the way I would have liked but it happened and you have to move on.”

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Now at Manchester City, Sterling was criticised in his debut season at the Etihad but is now excelling under the supervision of Pep Guardiola.

Another youngster who is coming through the Liverpool ranks is Ovie Ejaria who has been rewarded for his first team breakthrough with a call up to the England under 20s squad for their trip to South Korea. Having featured against Derby County in the EFL Cup and played the full 90 minutes against Tottenham in the same competition, the 18-year-old will look to build on his October call up in which he scored and set one up against Germany and the USA.

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The attacking midfielder is very highly rated, particularly by Jurgen Klopp, and could be one of the next big talents to break into the Liverpool first team.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Ian Johnson.