Five realistic alternatives for Virgil van Dijk Liverpool should look at

In the last eight years, Liverpool have struggled to finish strongly in the league more often than not. The Reds finished in the Top 4 on only two occasions during this period and on both occasions, they were one of the best-attacking sides in the league. However, it is the defence that let them down in both seasons.

In 2013/14, when Liverpool came agonisingly close to winning the league title, they scored 101 goals but conceded 50! Last season, the Reds scored 78 goals but conceded 42 with only Arsenal conceding more than Liverpool in the Top 6.

Every season, Liverpool have a weak link in their defence. Sometimes it is the right back, sometimes it is the left back and sometimes it is the central defence that has let them down. Last time around, it was mostly down to lack of quality in the heart of the defence.

A defence with Ragnar Klavan as third choice and Lucas Leiva as the fourth choice is hardly convincing. It looked like Jurgen Klopp was ready to address the issue this summer by pursuing Virgil van Dijk but instead, Liverpool were forced to put up a public apology as news emerged that the club had made contact with the player illegally.

Although van Dijk has handed in a transfer request, Southampton are still adamant that the player is not for sale and even if they do let him leave, it is unlikely that he would end up at Liverpool.

In this scenario, the Reds may have to look elsewhere and here are five alternative targets Liverpool should consider.

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#5 Jonathan Tah - Bayer Leverkusen

Tah is one of Germany's finest young talents

Germany have no shortage of talented youngsters and Jonathan Tah is one of those talented youngsters. Tah and Niklas Sule are the future of the German defence. The latter signed for Bayern Munich and maybe it is time for the former also to make the step up to a top club.

For someone so young, Tah is a gigantic figure. He stands tall at 6ft 4.5in and also has the frame to go with it, making him look like an old school defender. However, he is still very comfortable on the ball and will be a very good alternative for van Dijk.

Tah started his career with Hamburger before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. He also made his debut for Germany in 2016 and has been capped thrice so far at the senior level.

The 21-year-old averaged 1.54 tackles, 2.69 interceptions and 3.40 clearances per 90 minutes last season playing for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

The last player Liverpool signed from Bayer Leverkusen was Emre Can and he has turned out to be a very smart acquisition. The presence of a German manager and other German players in the current Liverpool squad could help them if they pursue the player’s signature.

#4 Davinson Sanchez - Ajax

Sanchez was instrumental in Ajax's run to the Europa League final last season

Ajax signed young Davinson Sanchez from Colombian club Atletico Nacional last summer and the Colombian International went on to have an immediate impact at the club.

He played 44 games for the Dutch giants scoring six goals as they finished runners up in the league and the Europa League. His excellent debut season saw him being named the club’s Player of the Year for 2017 ahead of other excellent performers like Hakim Ziyech and Kasper Dolberg.

Sanchez is 6ft 2in tall, very strong and comfortable on the ball. This makes him an ideal modern day centre-back. However, he is only 21 and still needs to work on the decision-making side of his game. Hence, he may not be an immediate starter for Liverpool but can definitely improve under Klopp and push the likes of Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip for a starting role.

He averaged an impressive 5.16 clearances and 2.06 interceptions per 90 minutes in the Dutch Eredivisie last season.

#3 Stefan de Vrij - Lazio

de Vrij has one year left on his current contract

Stefan de Vrij might be one of the easiest players for Liverpool to sign this summer as the Dutchman has refused to agree on a new contract with Lazio and could walk free next summer if he doesn’t sign one.

The 25-year-old made a move to Serie A following an impressive show in the FIFA World Cup 2014 and has slowly established himself as one of the best defenders in the league despite an injury ridden season in between.

De Vrij has been linked with a move to Serie A giants Juventus and understandably so after the departure of Leonardo Bonucci this summer. If the Reds are to snap up the wantaway defender, then they must make their move quickly.

The player brings a considerable amount of experience playing in European competitions and on the international stage and could prove to be a very wise addition to the squad.

He averaged 4.72 clearances and 2.38 interceptions per 90 minutes in the league last season.

#2 Kalidou Koulibaly - Napoli

Napoli's interest in Mamadou Sakho could help Liverpool sign Koulibaly

Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the very few players of African heritage who were born in France and yet chose to play for their country of origin. The Senegalese international started his career in Metz in France before moving to Genk in Belgium and joining Napoli in 2014 where he played under former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.

Koulibaly was linked with a move to Chelsea for lengthy periods last season but Napoli’s refusal to sell the player forced the Blues to eventually sign David Luiz on deadline day.

However, Liverpool have an advantage should Napoli be willing to listen to offers for the player. The Serie A club are rumoured to be interested in signing Liverpool outcast Mamadou Sakho and a swap deal plus money could tempt Napoli to sell the player.

The 26-year-old averages 1.78 tackles won per 90 minutes, 2.33 interceptions per 90 minutes and 4.48 clearances per 90 minutes.

His compatriot, Sadio Mane, plays for Liverpool and could play a role should Liverpool try to sign the player.

#1 Aymeric Laporte - Athletic Bilbao

Laporte was named in La Liga's team of the season for 2013/14

It is very surprising that no club has signed Aymeric Laporte despite him being one of the most promising and highly rated defenders in Europe at the moment.

Laporte is the only non-Spanish player in the Bilbao squad and has been a mainstay in their defence for over four seasons. The 23-year-old was linked with the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona previously but no move has materialised so far.

Despite his young age, Laporte has represented Bilbao in 192 games scoring nine goals, and won the Supercopa de Espana with the club in 2015. He was also named on the La Liga Team of the Year for 2013-14 when he was just a teenager.

The Frenchman averaged 1.29 tackles per 90 minutes, 2.07 interceptions per 90 minutes and 3.80 clearances per 90 minutes last season in the league.

The biggest stumbling block for Liverpool if they pursue Laporte is the fee Bilbao will ask as the Basque club never sell their players for cheap.