Liverpool were so concerned that Manchester City would attempt to hijack their £75million move for Virgil van Dijk that they embarked on an emergency dash to the South Coast.

The ECHO understands that the Reds flew a medical team to Bournemouth Airport on Wednesday morning so they were ready to complete the formalities as soon as a fee had been thrashed out with Southampton.

Liverpool were desperate to ensure there was no delay and that Man City didn't have the opportunity to wrestle Van Dijk from their grasp.

Having met Saints' asking price, the Reds were able to conduct van Dijk's medical today and with personal terms of around £180,000 per week already agreed, they were in a position to announce the club record deal five days before the January window opens.

Van Dijk had his heart set on a move to Anfield but Liverpool knew that a counter bid of £75million from Man City - coupled with a bumper wage offer - would have complicated matters and prolonged their pursuit of the Dutch defender.

As it was Liverpool moved quickly and decisively to complete a deal which will delight Jurgen Klopp.

Lessons were learned from last summer when the Reds made a hash of signing van Dijk and ended up issuing an apology and publicly withdrawing their interest after Southampton accused them of making an illegal approach.

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The 6ft 4ins centre-back put in a transfer request but his club dug their heels in and refused to sell.

In recent months Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon has helped to repair relations with Saints, whose hierarchy changed their stance after deciding they would be better off cashing in on van Dijk than keeping an unhappy player.

Liverpool have ended up paying around £15million more than they were looking to shell out last summer but the owners have backed the manager's judgement.

Klopp is convinced that van Dijk, who will wear the No 4 shirt, is the dominant leader the Reds' backline has been lacking during his Anfield reign.

Van Dijk will officially join Liverpool on January 1 and will be available for both Champions League and FA Cup matches.