Liverpool eyeing Premier League defender to replace Van Dijk

Liverpool will be hoping to put their defeat against Arsenal behind them when they face Burnley on Saturday afternoon. 

The Reds were well beaten by the Gunners last weekend, missing out on the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Mikel Arteta’s side ran out 3-1 winners at The Emirates, and reigning champions Manchester City now sit just two points behind the Reds and will move top if they win their game in hand.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk had a game to forget against Arsenal, colliding with goalkeeper Alisson to allow Gabriel Martinelli to put the Gunners ahead in the second half.

Despite his mistake, the Dutchman remains an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s side, and it appears that those in charge of the club are already planning ahead to identify his successor.

According to The Evening Standard, the Merseyside club are monitoring Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo as a potential replacement for Van Dijk.

Adarabioyo has emerged as a target for Liverpool

The 26-year-old has impressed for Fulham over the past two seasons, but his performances haven’t gone unnoticed.

Adarabioyo is a product of Manchester City’s youth academy and previously spent time on loan at both West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers before joining the Cottagers.

Since moving to Craven Cottage, the ex-England youth international has made 123 appearances for Fulham across all competitions.

The defender’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current season, making his future in West London extremely uncertain.

As well as Liverpool, Italian side AC Milan are also said to have shown an interest in signing the central defender if he becomes a free agent this summer.

Van Dijk’s Liverpool teammate Joel Matip may well have played his final game for the Reds as he is currently injured and set to be out of contract this summer, and signing Adarabioyo would help Liverpool to meet their homegrown quote for next season.