Liverpool immediately decide statement signing after Jeff Bezos investment

Liverpool have reportedly identified their first transfer target once Amazon founder Jeff Bezos gives the side a huge cash boost, with the American’s consortium set to pump £1.5 billion into the Merseyside club.

Bezos, who has an estimated net worth of $256bn (£192bn) and is the fourth-richest person in the world, is part of a consortium in talks to buy a 30 percent stake in Liverpool Football Club.

The consortium also includes British-Indian millionaire Amit Bhatia and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin.

Sixty-two-year-old Bezos’ interest has already been confirmed by current owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

Last month, an FSG spokesperson released the following statement confirming Bhatia had expressed interest: "An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.”

While Bezos’ consortium will no doubt be working to get the deal over the line, head coach Andoni Iraola will be solely focused on further bolstering his squad ahead of his first season in charge.

READ MORE: Liverpool's insane potential XI if Jeff Bezos completes investment with six new signings identified

Iraola and captain Virgil van Dijk have both suggested the Reds need new signings despite already welcoming Victor Munoz from Osasuna, Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes and Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

The Reds have an option to make the deal permanent for £47.1million.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has reportedly stalled, with the Reds still a way off the Ligue 1 side’s £128million valuation of the French winger.

The Sun also reports that Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who has previously been the subject of a £64million bid by Chelsea, is of interest to Iraola, having worked together at the Cherries.

But Liverpool are not willing to pay the reported £80million asking price set by the south coast club. Scott remains under contract at Bournemouth until 2028.

The transfer window closes on September 1.

Virgil van Dijk open to new signings

The Dutch centre-back explained how he was open to more arrivals when speaking to the Liverpool Echo after the Reds’ 3-2 pre-season friendly defeat to AS Monaco on Sunday (August 9).

“Is that [new signings] something you’re welcoming?” Van Dijk was asked about the arrival of Araujo.

“Any player that will arrive to the club, we will be welcoming,” he replied.

“I’ve not seen him, we’ll see.”

Van Dijk then revealed how he is enjoying working under Iraola.

“We had a great conversation in the first week when he got announced,” Van Dijk elaborated.

“I told him that I’m here for him regardless of anything he needs. For me to do for the team or whatever, I’m here for him.

“Hopefully we’ll be successful this season, that’s what we want.”

The defender was also quick to point out that he enjoyed working under Iraola’s predecessor Arne Slot.

“(That’s) nothing to take away from Arne and his staff,” the 35-year-old continued. “We had an amazing time together, obviously last year we were disappointed.

“This year we have a new manager, new ways of preparation, so we all have to adapt to it.

“New staff, different training methods. But I liked working under Arne, and I’m sure I would like working under the new manager as well.”