Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool have bought proven "quality" in Virgil van Dijk as he urged the club's fans to forget about his £75million transfer fee.

The Dutch centre-back will become the most expensive defender in world football when he completes his move to Anfield on January 1.

Van Dijk, who has agreed a five-and-a-half year contract, will wear the No 4 shirt and Klopp is delighted to have him on board after Liverpool missed out on signing him last summer.

Asked what Van Dijk would bring to the club, Klopp told Sky Sports: "Quality. That's why we got him. That's why we were interested.

"It's quite difficult at the moment because he is technically still a player of Southampton. I will have much more time and opportunities to talk about him.

"I can imagine people think 'wow, what a number this is' but of course for me this is not interesting, we don't make the prices, the market makes the prices and the first thing all Liverpool supporters should forget is the price.

James Pearce reacts to Liverpool's capture of Virgil Van Dijk

"We only talk about the player and what he can bring. It's quality, it's character, it's mentality and all that stuff. That's why we are really happy."

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Klopp insists Van Dijk will need time to settle at Anfield as he adjusts to the demands of being a Liverpool player.

He will be available to make his debut in the FA Cup tie against Everton next Friday night but Klopp has indicated that he might be held back.

"It's a long term thing," Klopp added.

"Look he had probably not his best half of a season in Southampton, he was very long injured and then we all know about the things that happened last summer.

"He's a tall player, they always need a little bit longer, especially after nine months or so. So he needs rhythm but that's not a problem because we already have quality in this position.

"We don't have to rush anything. He needs to adapt to our style of play, it's completely different. But we are 100% sure he will do it. I am very happy about the fact it's finally done, but otherwise there's no rush."