Liverpool transfer news: 5 January targets for Klopp
By Joel Slagle
The obvious Southampton signing or two
Any time the Premier League transfer window opens, Liverpool seems contractually obligated to purchase a player or two from Southampton. Last summer, Virgil van Dijk was the obvious choice. The transfer, though, never quite made it over the line.
Liverpool must do everything possible to complete the move this January. The club needs a quality center back, and van Dijk would improve just about any side in world football. Even Manchester City, one of the best English sides in living memory, are after him.
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Southampton has him under contract until 2022 and, quite understandably, want a great deal of money for him. Liverpool needs to just pay it. Whatever it is.
Jack Stephens, another Southampton defender, should travel the well-worn path from the south coast to Merseyside as well.
Stephens is still only 23 and has done well whenever called upon. His performance against Arsenal this month was particularly impressive. While primarily a center back, he can also play at right back and midfield in a pinch.
The young Englishman is also homegrown. This frees up a crucial spot on the roster for exceptional talents from abroad. He is unlikely to walk into the starting lineup, but he can give Klopp options in a number of positions.