Liverpool to beat Barcelona to £75m Virgil van Dijk replacement

Virgil van Dijk is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in history, but his time at Anfield cannot last forever.

The legendary Liverpool captain is into the final 12 months of his deal, and as things stand will be leaving Merseyside for free in the summer.

At 35-years-old, the Dutchman has played every minute of the Reds' Premier League campaign so far, in what could be his final season at Anfield.

Julian Ward and Liverpool's recruitment team have already begun planning for a potential departure, and one star is now reportedly being lined up for a massive £75 million move.

Barcelona to battle Liverpool for Premier League defender

Several of Europe's top defenders have been identified as potential replacements for Liverpool's skipper, but one move now gaining traction is for Chelsea's Levi Colwill.

The 23-year-old has started all but one of the Blues' Premier League games this season, captaining his side on three occasions.

Now, the Reds are lining up a move that could cost as much as £75 million to bring the five-capped England international to Merseyside.

That's according to a report from Caught Offside, which claims that Liverpool hold a strong interest in the defender and will try and convince him to consider a new challenge.

The report states that Chelsea want to keep Colwill at Stamford Bridge but that they could consider a bid of between £65-75 million.

Liverpool aren't the only team interested in the 23-year-old however, with La Liga leaders Barcelona also monitoring the situation.

Chelsea would likely be more willing to deal with a team in another league rather than selling one of their best players to a direct rival, but if the Reds can make an attractive enough offer then they may be able to land their man.

Colwill has been on the radar at Anfield for some time, and Liverpool could finally act on their long-term interest to replace Van Dijk, should the Dutchman leave in the summer.