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Liverpool have shattered their transfer record to secure the signing of Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk.

The Reds have agreed a deal with the South Coast outfit which could rise to £75million inclusive of add ons.

It is a world record fee for a defender with Van Dijk having already undergone a medical. He will officially join Liverpool when the transfer window opens on January 1.

An LFC statement said: "Liverpool Football Club can confirm they have reached an agreement with Southampton for the transfer of Virgil van Dijk.

"The Reds have agreed a deal with the south coast club, and the player himself, that will see the 26-year-old defender move to Anfield when the transfer window re-opens on January 1, 2018.

(Image: Liverpool FC)

"The Netherlands international will be assigned squad number four, upon his arrival at Liverpool."

Van Dijk was desperate to move to Anfield despite strong interest from Premier League leaders Manchester City.

The biggest deal in the club’s history will be a major boost for manager Jurgen Klopp, who saw his hopes of signing the Dutchman dashed last summer.

Southampton accused Liverpool of making an illegal approach and the Reds’ owners responded by issuing an apology and publicly withdrawing their interest. Saints were furious at how Liverpool had conducted themselves and were adamant that Van Dijk, who submitted a transfer request, was going nowhere.

Mauricio Pellegrino reintegrated him into the squad but uncertainty over his future remained and when he was left out of their festive fixtures it became clear that Saints were preparing to cash in on him.

Negotiations have advanced quickly in recent days and Van Dijk is expected to pen a four-and-half year contract.

Southampton wished van Dijk well and confirmed the deal was a world record.

A club statement said: "Southampton Football Club can confirm it has reached an agreement with Liverpool over the transfer of Virgil van Dijk.

"Southampton have agreed a fee that will set a new world-record for a defender.



"The club wishes Virgil well in his future when the deal is completed on January 1st 2018."