Liverpool 'interested' in Virgil van Dijk 'replacements' as Xabi Alonso favourite targeted

Virgil van Dijk is out of contract at Liverpool in 2025
-Credit: (Image: Dave Howarth - CameraSport via Getty Images)


Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League table with victory over Bournemouth on Saturday. The Reds claimed a 3-0 victory over the Cherries to move to 12 points from their first five fixtures.

Luis Diaz scored a brace in the first half after Antoine Semenyo had a goal disallowed for the visitors at Anfield. Darwin Nunez was also on the score sheet for the Reds as he got his first goal for Liverpool this season.

Arne Slot and Co. will now look ahead to their Carabao Cup third-round tie against West Ham on Wednesday night. The Reds will return to Premier League action next weekend when they travel to face Wolves at Molineux.

The ECHO takes a look at some of the latest Liverpool news and gossip that have generated headlines over the last 24 hours.

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Virgil van Dijk 'replacements' identified

Liverpool have reportedly listed four players as potential 'replacements' for Virgil van Dijk.

According to TEAMtalk, the Reds are planning for Van Dijk's eventual departure by listing candidates to succeed the club captain at centre-back. The report states that Gleison Bremer, Marc Guehi, Loic Bade and Goncalo Inacio have all been identified as players who could replace Van Dijk.

Van Dijk's current deal with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the season. It remains to be seen if the Reds will reach an agreement over an extension or if the captain will leave Anfield as a free agent.

Liverpool 'interest' in Florian Wirtz

Liverpool are being linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.

According to Bundesliga reporter Christian Falk, via Caught Offside, the Reds are joined by Manchester City in showing an interest in signing Wirtz next summer. The report states that Wirtz, who is contracted at Leverkusen until 2027, could decide to leave the reigning Bundesliga champions at the end of the season.

However, it has been reported that Real Madrid may be Wirtz's most likely destination if he were to leave Leverkusen. Liverpool have previously been linked with the playmaker who helped guide Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title last season under manager and former Anfield hero Xabi Alonso.