Liverpool’s leaked ‘contingency plan’ may contain £70m buy after concerning Van Dijk hint

Van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk is unsure over his Liverpool future (Image: Getty)

reportedly have a contingency plan in place in case any of their out-of-contract stars leave Anfield. admitted that he less than four months before his deal expires, potentially leaving the Premier League leaders scrambling for a replacement.

The Reds captain, and are all yet to have their futures resolved. will surely not want to lose all three, but reports that the club have plans in place in the event that any of them leave.

“The only thing I’m focusing on is the game ahead of me, and I’m feeling good,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports.

“I think everyone can see that, and what the future brings, at the moment, I’ve got no idea. So anyone who says they know it, they are absolutely wrong. But we’ll see what happens.”

will have a particularly difficult task replacing Van Dijk. Express Sport looks at who they might have in mind.

Marc Guehi

Express Sport understands that are long-term admirers of Crystal Palace defender Guehi. The Anfield outfit baulked at the £70m asking price last summer but might be more tempted with funds available if Van Dijk departs.

A vastly different style of centre-back to Van Dijk, Guehi is much smaller – standing at around six feet tall – but possesses similar traits in possession. The 24-year-old is adept at carrying the ball out from the back four and is strong in the air in spite of his height.

Palace hope that a bidding war will commence for Guehi in the summer. Despite him having only one year remaining on his contract by that point, the south Londoners still expect to receive close to the £70m they have wanted this season. and – who had a bid turned down on deadline day – will rival .

Marc Guehi

Liverpool could join the bidding war for Marc Guehi in the summer (Image: Getty)

Goncalo Inacio

It remains a surprise that Inacio has not yet completed a move to a top-five European league. The Sporting CP star shone under in Portugal and has been consistently linked with Premier League and La Liga clubs.

Inacio, 23, is a top passer and, like Guehi, he confidently dribbles the ball out from defence. He is a two-time Portuguese league title winner, having won his first aged 18. will welcome a proven winner if Van Dijk departs.

Inacio is widely reported to have a £38m release clause.

Goncalo Inacio

Goncalo Inacio has interest from Premier League clubs (Image: Getty)

Ousmane Diomande

Alternatively, could target Inacio’s younger team-mate Diomande. The 21-year-old is one of Europe’s most highly-rated young defenders and has previously had reported interest from both Manchester clubs and .

would benefit from Diomande’s ability in possession and his commanding displays at the back.

Jorrel Hato

Hato has been strongly linked to this year and attended their 4-1 win over Ipswich last month. It is not believed to have been as part of discussions over a transfer, though.

The 18-year-old Ajax star is another player on this list who is much smaller than Dijk – standing at a similar height to Guehi – but makes up for it with strong passing, tackling and heading metrics. Reports in January claimed that Hato could cost just £25m in the summer. He would also provide depth at left-back, where also need reinforcements.

Jorrel Hato

Liverpool are admirers of Jorrel Hato (Image: Getty)

Dean Huijsen

One of the best teenage centre-backs in the Premier League, Huijsen has shone for Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola. The next step for the Dutch-born Spaniard is a move to a title challenger.

Huisen is closer to Van Dijk in height and there are very few metrics in which the 19-year-old does not impress. He passes exceptionally, carries the ball with confidence, is strong in the tackle, and is capable in the air. would also be getting a goal threat from set-pieces, but prising him away from Bournemouth will be very expensive.

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