Liverpool may announce the signing of Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton sooner than expected after the South Coast club made contact with his supposed replacement.
The Saints have maintained a hard line all summer that they would not sell, but since the Dutchman personally told his new manager that he wants out, he has been banished from the first team and would hold talks which he hopes would be the final time with the club this week.
Southampton increased their valuation of the defender to £60 million earlier in the summer after Liverpool angered them by tapping him up. However, it seems they would be willing to sell him for a fee significantly lower now.
The Saints have opened talks with SS Lazio over the transfer of Wesley Hoedt another Dutch defender who has been at the Stadio Olimpico since 2015.
Southampton has made an opening bid of £12 million for the former AZ Alkmaar man. He is tall and a ball playing defender like his compatriot, Van Dijk.
Liverpool is hoping to hear news of his unveiling soon, and they would make a formal bid for Van Dijk.