Speaking after the win over Bournemouth, van Dijk admits signing another defender would "accelerate" their immediate improvement but until the club go back into the market the hard work has to continue within the squad.

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Parma defender Giovanni Leoni. The 18-year-old joins in a deal worth £26 million, plus add-ons, in a move which takes the club’s summer outlay beyond £300m. Leoni chose a move to Anfield despite interest from top Italian clubs and Premier League rivals.

Virgil van Dijk spoke with Antoine Semenyo after the Bournemouth forward reported racist abuse while facing Liverpool in the first game of the Premier League season