Liverpool are reportedly interested in securing the services of Southampton centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap as a long-term replacement for defender Virgil van Dijk in the near future.
Bella-Kotchap, 20, joined Southampton from VfL Bochum earlier this summer for a fee of around £9million earlier this summer. Since arriving at St Mary’s Stadium he has played five of six Premier League games for Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side, providing an assist.
Due to his outstanding performances, Bella-Kotchap was recently called up to Germany’s senior squad for the first time ahead of UEFA Nations League games against Hungary and England.
According to Fichajes.net, Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of Bella-Kotchap and sees him taking over from Van Dijk at Anfield, who turned 31 in July. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also keeping an eye on the imposing German.
Klopp currently has Van Dijk, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez at his disposal as central defenders. With Gomez starting the season poorly, Liverpool may be forced to chase Bella-Kochap in January, according to the aforementioned report.
Bella-Kochap is valued by Transfermarkt in the region of £ 15 million. However, it is expected to cost more than double the value due to its existing four-year contract with Southampton.
