Liverpool transfer news: Virgil van Dijk set for showdown talks with Mauricio Pellegrino as Reds prepare a club-record bid

LIVERPOOL target Virgil van Dijk will have showdown talks with Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino this week, according to reports.

The Southampton defender is desperate to move to Anfield this summer and the Reds are willing to launch a club-record bid.

Getty Images - Getty

PA:Press Association

Jurgen Klopp has identified Van Dijk as his No1 defensive target, with the Liverpool Echo reporting the Dutchman will try and persuade the Saints to sell.

He has been training alone in pre-season and was not included in the squad to travel to France after Pellegrino claimed he was not mentally prepared to be involved.

Van Dijk is under contract until 2022 and Southampton have so far played hardball with Liverpool – forcing their rivals into a public apology over their pursuit.

But with Jack Stephens hitting form in the Dutch international’s absence last season, Saints chiefs could be tempted by a £60million offer.

The 26-year-old has not played since injuring his ankle in January, but has now returned to full fitness.

If they lose Van Dijk, Tottenham benchwarmer Kevin Wimmer is a potential alternative for Saints chiefs.

AP:Associated Press

Getty Images - Getty

The Austrian international is behind Belgian duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen in the White Hart Lane pecking order.

Spurs rate Wimmer, 24, at around the £20m mark meaning the South Coast club would net a huge profit over the two deals.

PA:Empics Sport

Keep up to date with all the latest news, gossip, rumours and done deals in SunSport’s live transfer blog