Liverpool eye €70m-rated Serie A star as potential long-term Van Dijk replacement: Reports
Liverpool are reportedly considering swooping for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer amid question marks over Virgil van Dijk's future. The Brazilian centre-back is one of two defensive targets that Arne Slot has in mind to strengthen his squad.
CaughtOffside reports that the Reds requested information on Bremer regarding the costs and conditions of a deal. Juve are prepared to sell the 27-year-old for around €70 million (£58.9 million) as he has four years left on his contract.
Bremer impressed at the Allianz Stadium last season, helping the Old Lady keep 19 clean sheets. He also chipped in with three goals and was rated one of Serie A's top-performing defenders.
The five-cap Brazil international is on Liverpool's shortlist to replace Van Dijk should the club captain leave. The Dutch defender is linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Slot wants a new centre-back added to his squad as he begins life at Anfield. The Merseysiders have yet to make a signing this summer, but a new defender looks to be of the utmost importance to their new manager.
Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio is another option and joins Bremer on their shortlist. There is hefty competition for his signature, so their pursuit of the Portuguese youngster is moving slowly.
Liverpool have slapped €55 million price tag on Virgil van Dijk amid Saudi interest
Van Dijk's future looks uncertain, and he has just a year left on his contract at Anfield. He's been a stalwart at the back for Liverpool for six years and was excellent last season.
TEAMtalk reports that the Saudi Public Investment Fund approached the Reds regarding Van Dijk. They were told clubs they must pay around €55 million (£46.3 million) for them to consider parting ways.
The Saudi negotiator views that fee as too high, and they are set to decide whether to pursue the Dutchman. The Saudi PIP has toyed with the idea of launching a move for Van Dijk in January.
Van Dijk, 33, will have six months left on his Liverpool contract in January, and talks over an extension have stalled. He could sign a pre-contract with a Saudi Pro League club and move as a free agent that summer.
The Netherlands skipper was back to his best last season, colossal at the back in Jurgen Klopp's final campaign in charge. He appeared 48 times across competitions, helping his side keep 12 clean sheets. He chipped in with four goals and two assists, including the extra-time winner in a 1-0 win against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final.