Liverpool supporters have been in fine voice in the Transfer Tavern this week after seeing their side get back to winning ways in the Premier League by thumping Bournemouth 4-0 at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday, a result which moved them back into the division’s top four.

Jurgen Klopp’s men went into their clash with the Cherries off the back of drawing with both Everton and West Brom at Anfield, yet the victory was never in doubt on the South Coast after another attacking masterclass from the Merseyside giants. Goals from Philippe Coutinho, Dejan Lovren, Mohamed Salah, and Roberto Firmino secured a comprehensive win for the Reds, who took advantage of Tottenham’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester City the day before to move back into the Premier League’s top four.

Consequently, there has been many delighted Liverpudlians in the Tavern in recent times, several of whom are eagerly anticipating the January transfer window, and as such what players their side could look to land to bolster their ranks ahead of the second half of the season.

And one man they have been repeatedly linked with in recent months, but seem unlikely to get now in January, is Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman was heavily linked with a move away from St Mary’s during the summer but remained a Saints player beyond the August 31 deadline, yet that hasn’t stopped speculation building about a possible move away in January.

However, Liverpool are reportedly not willing to pay the £70 million asking price for the 26-year-old, and as such they should forget about him and instead target a move for one of these TWO centre-backs in the New Year…

Clement Lenglet

22-year-old Clement Lenglet has impressed for Spanish side Sevilla in recent times, and looks set for a big future in the game.

The centre-back only made the move to the La Liga outfit back in January of this year and has already accumulated 42 appearances for the club, playing all but one of their league games this time round in their run to fifth place in the division, in which time they have kept six clean sheets.

And Liverpool were linked with a move for the former France youth international last month in a bid to bolster their defensive ranks, and given that he could be available for just £28 million given his release clause, it’s a move Klopp’s side must look to make in January.

David Luiz

David Luiz’s future at Premier League champions Chelsea took an uncertain turn earlier this season following a reported rift with manager Antonio Conte, and the Brazil star has since struggled for regular football at Stamford Bridge.

Nonetheless, the 30-year-old played an integral part in their title-winning success last term in the heart of Conte’s back three, and would surely do a job for almost all sides in the top-flight were he to move in January.

And with Liverpool evidently struggling defensively in the last 18 months or so, it’s a deal they must seek to strike in the New Year if they are to compete for major honours in the second half of the season and beyond.