Barcelona to compete with Liverpool for Van Dijk

Jurgen Klopp's summer long pursuit of the Southampton defender ended in failure, but the Reds boss is expected to return for him when the transfer window reopens in January.

He will now, however, face stiff competition from Barca, who are weighing up a move for the 26-year-old.

The Spanish giants, who came within a whisker of signing Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho this summer, sent scouts to watch Van Dijk in the Netherland’s final World Cup qualifier against Sweden on Tuesday.

Southampton were determined to keep hold of their prized asset amid interest from Liverpool, as well as Chelsea and manchester City, but if Van Dijk is to leave, it is understood the club would rather sell abroad than to a Premier League rival.