Manchester United and Liverpool have started their season with contrasting fortunes as after 12 games, the Reds sit comfortably in the second spot just one point behind Chelsea. United, on the other hand, are sixth on the table and nine points behind the league leaders.
Both the teams are rumoured to be bringing in a centre-back in the transfer period to shore up their defence with Southampton's Virgil van Dijk high on both the club's radar to sort out their defensive issues.
Though Liverpool have played some of the best football in the Premier League, they have looked shaky at times, with the Reds still struggling from set pieces. Joel Matip has been a calming influence since his arrival but Jurgen Klopp is reportedly eager to add the former Celtic man.
Moreover, Jose Mourinho is said to be planning a major overhaul to sort his side's defence with United trying to lure Van Dijk away from St. Mary's stadium to ply his trade with the Red Devils. The defender has a contract with Southampton until 2022 that means it will take at least £30 million to secure his services for either Manchester United or Liverpool.
Liverpool are also targeting Southampton's young left-back Sam McQueen as the 21-year-old has made a huge impression for the Saints this season. Klopp is facing a left back dilemma as the Reds are playing a makeshift fullback in James Milner this campaign.
In the past two summers, Liverpool have raided Southampton for almost £100m in transfer fees for the likes of Sadio Mane, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert. Former Southampton striker Micky Quinn feels that Vin Dijk might be Liverpool's final piece in the jigsaw of their Premier League quest.
He said, "I think he could be the missing link for Liverpool in regards to winning the Premier League. I think if they sign him you’ve seen him at Celtic, you've seen him at Southampton, he’s a football player, an aggressive centre-back. He just goes from strength to strength every game I see him.
“I think he would be a great signing for Liverpool if money’s no object.I could see them winning the Premier League if they sign him."
The 25-year-old ball playing strong defender is rumoured to spark a transfer battle between the English giants with the January transfer window looming around. United are also said to be targeting Bayern Munich's David Alaba and Leverkusen centre-back Aleksandar Dragovic.
Liverpool are also trying to sign a winger to cover for Sadio Mane's absence in January due to AFCON Cup and the Reds are in pole position to sign Spartak Moscow winger Quincy Promes.
