Five realistic alternatives for Virgil van Dijk Liverpool should look at

#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.