Liverpool have agreed a deal for Southampton star Virgil van Dijk.

The Telegraph insists the Reds will pay £75million for the Dutch centre-back which would be the highest fee ever paid for a defender.

And Anfield chiefs have confirmed Van Dijk will arrive on January 1 and wear the No4 shirt.

A club statement said: "Liverpool Football Club can confirm they have reached an agreement with Southampton for the transfer of Virgil van Dijk.

 "The Reds have agreed a deal with the south coast club, and the player himself, that will see the 26-year-old defender move to Anfield when the transfer window re-opens on January 1, 2018.

"The Netherlands international will be assigned squad number four, upon his arrival at Liverpool."

Liverpool wanted to sign the classy Holland international in the summer but withdrew their interest and apologised for the manner of their pursuit.

The 26-year-old was left out of the Saints squad for the 5-2 Boxing Day defeat by Tottenham and has been unsettled all season.

After that game, Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino admitted he had no idea if Van Dijk is staying or going.

He said: “We know around Virgil there is a lot of speculation about him.

“We have to wait and see what will happen. I can’t control this but we have to think of our games.”

Chelsea and Manchester City were after the Dutchman's signature but have failed to land their target.

Liverpool have been fragile at the back again this season, surrendering leads on numerous occasions.

The Sun