Liverpool line-up €40m deal to replace Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a move for a sensational talent in the Bundesliga, who could become a future replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool transfer latest: Reds find the one to REPLACE Virgil van Dijk as star refuses new contract

Right now, all the focus on the Reds' captain is on his future. Van Dijk's contract expires at the end of the summer. So far, Richard Hughes has not been able to come to an agreement with his representatives.

READ MORE: How to get Carabao Cup final tickets

However, there is hope Liverpool will get a deal over the line. Until, the deadline, hope will always remain and it's quite clear Van Dijk would probably like to stay at Anfield.

Him staying will be unbelievable news for Liverpool fans. However, sooner or later the club will have to think about eventually replacing Van Dijk.

He's not getting any younger and sadly the fate of footballers is very much fallible to the ravages of time.

Why Liverpool want Konstantinos Koulierakis and why he could replace Virgil van Dijk

A report from Sport Bild's newspaper edition claims that Liverpool have been enamoured by the performances of Koulierakis of Wolfsburg.

According to the report, Liverpool were in attendance in November to watch him in action against England in the Nations League and have been asking around about him ever since.

This is a story that could hold some weight. Liverpool scouted PAOK last season to keep an eye on Stefanos Tzimas, who Anfield Watch exclusively revealed was of interest to the Reds in the January window.

And Koulierakis also has the same agent of Kostas Tsimikas, which would make a deal a lot easier considering there is a prior existing relationship there between the two parties.

Wolfsburg reportedly want up to €40m for the 21-year-old defender according to Sport Bild, which is a little higher than his €20m valuation on Football Transfers.

But it could be money well invested considering how brilliant Koulierakis has been.

Koulierakis is a brilliant defender who reads the game well, is relatively quick off the grass and stands at a towering height making him an imposing presence for any attacker.

As a left-footed defender, he is also a great commodity in the modern game especially because he is also very comfortable on the ball.

Among centre-backs in the Bundesliga, he ranks in the top 10 for defensive duels won (71.43%) and he also ranks 16th for progressive passes (8.89 per 90).

His aerial numbers could improve, with Koulierakis winning just over 57% of them in the Bundesliga. Ideally, you'd want a defender to be averaging 65% or above.

But he has the height and the physicality to improve that side of his game, and age is on his side. Overall, he's a very promising young defender.

Given his ability to play as a left-sided centre-back, he could be the perfect heir to Van Dijk's throne in the future.

REVEALED: Liverpool's top 10 most valuable players

It makes sense for Liverpool to bring him in now, have him be the understudy and gear him up to be ready to take over when the time comes.

Liverpool FC news recap: Derby DRAMA as Salah eyes up Ballon d'Or