Liverpool had three alternative options to Virgil Van Dijk prior to Dutchman’s arrival

Liverpool were tracking as many as 34 different centre backs prior to the arrival of Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton, with three other ‘A grade’ targets identified, writes the Express.

Van Dijk became the most expensive defender in the history of the game when he completed his £75million move from the Saints, though there was a time where many doubted the Reds would get their number one target.

Southampton initially fended off interest from Liverpool when they claimed the approach was illegal, forcing the club to issue a statement ending their interest.

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Though Liverpool did eventually get their man, they went through an extensive scouting process to ensure they had covered all their bases and compiled a list of backup options.

The report claims that the Reds followed 34 defenders across 15 matches a piece, gathering data on all of their options before putting together a collection of players deemed worthy of signing.

Three players made the ‘A grade’ list – alongside Van Dijk – and a second list of youngsters who would likely grow into ‘A grade’ quality was also produced.

One player on the ‘A grade’ list is now going head to head with Liverpool in the title race, as Aymeric Laporte was snapped up by Manchester City.

Another is a former City player, current Bayern Munich centre back Jerome Boateng.

The final option was Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, who recently received messages of support from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane after he was the subject of alleged racist abuse during his side’s Boxing Day clash.

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Source: anfieldhq.com