LIVERPOOL were reportedly so desperate to beat Manchester City to Virgil van Dijk they flew their medical team to Southampton.
The Liverpool Echo claim the Reds jetted their staff to Bournemouth Airport on Wednesday so they could be on hand to complete the record £75million deal.
Reds chiefs did not want to risk the chance of Premier League leaders City hijacking a deal before the medical could be completed.
And with the formalities of Van Dijk‘s £180,000-a-week wages and fee agreed they were able to announce the deal five days before the start of the January window.
Van Dijk was set on a move to Anfield but Liverpool knew City would be able to compete with their bid and also offer the Dutchman a higher wage offer.
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The £75m fee is a world record for a defender with Van Dijk set to join on January 1 and wear the No4 shirt.
Liverpool wanted to sign the classy Holland international in the summer but withdrew their interest and apologised for the manner of their pursuit.
PEP GUARDED Van Dijk to City links dismissed by Guardiola as defender completes £75m Liverpool move
Van Dijk was left out of the Saints squad for the 5-2 Boxing Day defeat by Tottenham and has been unsettled all season.
Jurgen Klopp is certain the former Celtic star is the man to slot into the defence and become their leader at the back.
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