Virgil van Dijk has already given his approval for Liverpool target who could cost 'record fee'

Virgil van Dijk has already given his seal of approval for a reported Liverpool target.

It has been a busy summer transfer window for Liverpool after as they parted ways with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain.

The Anfield club in turn brought in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.

Looking ahead into the future, Liverpool are reportedly the latest club to enter the race to sign highly-rated Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson.

After selling Moises Caicedo for a British record fee of £115 million, it has been claimed that Ferguson will cost more than the Ecuadorian.

With Liverpool said to be interested, captain Van Dijk has praised the Irishman ahead of potentially facing him during the international break.

He said: “If you score a hat-trick just before the international break, then he was definitely going to be in a good shape and full of confidence.

“He looks like he’s a promising striker for Ireland for now and the future, and that’s definitely a big blow for them. But whoever is going to play tomorrow for them, we have to be ready to fight.”

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Van Dijk added: “I know at home with their fans and their position and the situation that they are in, they will do everything in their power to hopefully make it difficult for us, but we have to be ready and I will be ready.”

Brighton CEO has previously hinted that Ferguson will not be sold for at least five years.

Paul Barber said: “In Evan’s case, it’ll be in at least five years’ time.

“Ultimately it’s going to be a collective decision but it’s driven by the technical staff and we’re relying on them to make those judgements regarding the players’ development.”

Netherlands are set to take on Ireland on Sunday night.