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Steven Gerrard has urged Liverpool to pull out all the stops to sign Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk before the close of transfer window.

The wantaway Dutch defender handed in a transfer request with an explosive statement earlier this month , but Saints chief Ralph Krueger insisted the south-coast club have no intention of selling Van Dijk this transfer window.

However, Gerrard feels the talented centre-back is essential for Jurgen Klopp to enjoy a successful season at Liverpool this term.

Gerrard told BT Sport: "Yes [he is a necessity].

"For me, if you want to compete in the league and in the Champions League ( Van Dijk is needed).

"It’s been well documented that we need two or three signings in."

Liverpool thought they had secured Van Dijk back in June , only to be forced into a hasty apology after Southampton threatened to complain of an alleged 'tapping up'.

Liverpool's interest in the £60m-rated centre-back was instantly dropped, but the club would be willing to re-enter the race for Van Dijk should Southampton make it clear they are ready to listen to offers.

In a lengthy statement earlier this month, Van Dijk said: "It is with regret that I can confirm that I have today handed in a transfer request to leave Southampton Football Club.

"Unfortunately I feel that I have no alternative after I was given notice of the club's intention to impose a disciplinary sanction on me of a fine equivalent to two weeks' wages.

(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"I am incredibly ambitious, and want to achieve as much as I possibly can, to fulfil my potential in what is a very short career as a professional footballer.

"I want to play European football again, and challenge for major honours, and as such I would like Southampton to consider the interest in me from top clubs should it still exist."