Liverpool could sign 'new Virgil van Dijk' but star may cost even more than Dutchman

Liverpool are in the market for another centre-back and have reportedly identified Chelsea's Levi Colwill as an ideal transfer target. The youngster had a stellar campaign last season on loan at Brighton and expects regular first-team football next season.

Data from StatsBomb show Colwill was the most similar player under the age of 24 to Reds icon Virgil van Dijk last season in terms of key defensive statistics such as aerial duels, interceptions and tackle success rate. And he could be just the man to fill the monumental void the Dutchman will leave when he eventually walks away from the sport.

However, Colwill is expected to cost even more than the £75million Liverpool forked out to pry Van Dijk away from Southampton back in January 2018. Chelsea don't want to let their young star go but if he chooses to force a move away from Stamford Bridge then it is understood he will set potential suitors back around £80m.

Multiple reports have linked Colwill with a move to Liverpool as the 20-year-old weighs up his options. He is said to be unconvinced about his future at Chelsea and wants a solid run in the first team before committing his future.

Colwill's contract expires in 2025 and new manager Mauricio Pochettino is set for face-to-face talks this week with the in-demand England Under 21 star to lay out his plans for him this season. If Pochettino can guarantee Colwill will be an important part of his squad then there should be no issues about potentially losing the player.

But if this promise can't be made then Liverpool will be waiting to snap him up. The Reds are keen on bringing in another left-footed centre-back this summer and feel Colwill is the best option in this position.

Other targets include Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol, Everton's Jarrad Brainthwaite, Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio and Micky van de Ven of Wolfsburg. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed Liverpool's intentions to sign a southpaw centre-half to GiveMeSport, saying: “Yeah, the centre-back is one more thing they want to do this summer.

"Of course, it’s not super easy because they’re looking for a left-footed centre-back, and it’s not easy to find left-footed centre-backs in the market. So, let’s see who’s going to be the player they find for that position.”

Tottenham recently abandoned their quest for Mick van de Ven after a sudden price hike from Wolfsburg so Liverpool now have a clear path to move for the Dutchman this summer if they wish.