Klopp to swoop on Saints duo

LIVERPOOL are lining up a £40million double swoop for Southampton duo Virgil van Dijk and Sam McQueen. Kop boss Jurgen Klopp has already revealed he is in the market for a striker in January, but believes Dutch giant Van Dijk can help bolster the title-chasing Reds’ defence. The former Celtic centreback only signed a new six-yeardeal at St Mary’s in May but Klopp is confident he can prise him away from the south coast. Klopp is also sweet on academy ace McQueen, 21, to solve the Merseysiders’ leftback dilemma.

McQueen, 21, only made his Premier League debut in mid-October after coming on as sub in Saints’ 3-1 win over Burnley.

But since then he has produced a string of impressive performances to draw comparisons with former Saints leftbacks Gareth Bale and Luke Shaw.

Klopp has lost faith in Spaniard Alberto Moreno, forcing James Milner to play out of position. McQueen’s contract is up at the end of the season and he is stalling on accepting the offer of an extension.

In the past two summers Liverpool have paid Southampton almost £100m in transfer fees for Sadio Mane, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert.

Saints also fear losing captain Jose Fonte, who is still attracting interest from Manchester United.

Van Dijk has been Southampton’s standout performer this term and boss Claude Puel knows he faces an uphill battle to keep his star man.

The 25-year-old turned in a man of the match display as Saints held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw on Saturday.

On his performance, Puel added: “It’s not a surprise. It’s not amazing.

“Since the beginning of the season van Dijk is fantastic and he now keeps good concentration.

“He can make very good progress and it is it important for the future.” – Daily Star