Liverpool set to move for 6ft 4in wonderkid thought to be 'the next Virgil Van Dijk': report

Liverpool are looking at an 19-year-old successor to Virgil van Dijk this summer.

The Reds' defence has been a worry this season, with 38 Premier League goals conceded and nine losses. Goalkeeper Alisson has enjoyed phenomenal form to keepLiverpoolin the hunt for European football, with the back four coming under fire.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have all taken their share of the blame – with linchpin Van Dijk criticised, too. The previously unimpeachable 31-year-old has started to look his age, according to some, with fans and pundits wondering if another centre-back will be brought in this summer.

Now,Calciomercato(opens in new tab)in Italyclaims that the Reds are exploring a move for Giorgio Scalvini ofAtalanta.

The report claims that though there is interest from the likes ofJuventusandInter Milan, Liverpool could blow rivals out of the water with financial might, adding that Scalvini is the "most promising defender in Italian football".

Though Scalvini won't be cheap to snare at around €40 million, he would be considerably cheaper than some of the options on the market. Antonio Silva ofBenficaand Josko Gvardiol ofRB Leipzig都认为是价值翻倍。

Last year,the Express(opens in new tab)identified Scalvini as being a potential successor to Van Dijk – and given that the teenager is 6ft 4in with a strong build, he could well grow into the kind of physically imposing leader that the Dutchman has been in the Premier League.

Able to step into a defensive midfield role,FourFourTwonamed Scalvini as 25th inthe 2023 list of the best teenagers in world football, noting, "his outstretched lunges from the back look almost choreographed."

The defender is valued at around €30m byTransfermarkt(opens in new tab).

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Liverpool's failed pursuit of Jude Bellingham has led to discussion over who is to blame, withThis Is Anfieldwriting that the fault lies with both Jurgen Klopp and ownership FSGforFourFourTwo.

The Reds are looking at a number of possible alternatives, includingRyan Gravenberch of Bayern Munich,Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella,Brighton midfielder Moises CaidedoandChelsea fringe midfielder Conor Gallagher. Ex-Red Jose Enrique has questioned whether the Merseysiders even needed Bellingham, anyway.

Meanwhile, there could be significant outgoings from Anfield this summer.默罕默德·沙拉显然已经询问d about a move to Spain,Jurgen Klopp is a target for Real Madridif Carlo Ancelotti departs andRoberto Firmino has reportedly agreed a deal with Los Blancoswhen his Liverpool contract expires.