Virgil van Dijk favourite nearing MOMENTOUS Premier League transfer

A big summer is on the horizon at Liverpool, it is clear to see.

After winning the club’s 20th league title, Arne Slot and Richard Hughes are now looking to secure the future of the team by strengthening whilst at the top.

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A number of positions are set to be addressed right across the pitch, with the Reds’ striker search the most speculated about aspect of their summer plans.

A new left-back is also on the cards. Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth appears to be the favourite and Anfield Watch exclusively revealed that talks had begun for the player before Christmas, but there are also other options being explored.

One such option is Ajax’s defensive starlet Jorrel Hato, who is reportedly Virgil van Dijk’s preferred target, but interest from a Premier League rival could complicate things.

Chelsea chasing Jorrel Hato

According to the latest update from Sky Sports, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are ‘seriously considering’ a move to sign Hato this summer.

The Dutch international will reportedly be available for around £40 million in the upcoming window, following an impressive campaign in which he has made 47 appearances so far for Ajax.

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Although the 19-year-old has been deployed exclusively as a left-back this season, he is also an accomplished central defender, and this versatility makes Hato one of the most exciting defensive prospects available this summer.

Hato, who has won six caps for the Netherlands, visited Anfield earlier in the season fuelling speculation he could join up with his international captain in Merseyside when he does leave Amsterdam, but Chelsea’s interest presents a serious hurdle for Liverpool.

Is Hato needed at Anfield?

The performances of Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas for Slot’s side this year have led to many feeling left-back is the position most in need of reinforcements.

Robertson’s age, 31, also means that a long-term replacement for the Scot will have to be bought in sooner rather than later – regardless of his performance.

Strong interest from PSG in Ibrahima Konate, combined with Van Dijk’s age, also means that the Reds could be looking for a new central defender in the near future too.

A number of names have been linked in this position, but signing Hato could kill two birds with one stone – providing much needed reinforcement at left-back whilst also adding depth to the centre of Liverpool’s defence.

At only 19-years-old, Hato represents a long-term option for multiple positions in Liverpool’s defence, and Chelsea’s reported interest could therefore be a concern for Richard Hughes and co.

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The fact Liverpool have just won the Premier League could go a long way in helping them to secure any potential targets, but the bright lights of Stamford Bridge could complicate things in the case of Hato.