After conceding twice in the Community Shield and twice again in their opening league game against Bournemouth, the Reds’ backline is under the microscope.

Reports (via BBC Sport) suggest Liverpool have held talks with Crystal Palace over England international Marc Guehi, who could cost around £40 million.

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With Palace’s chairman openly admitting the club may have to sell to avoid losing him for free, the transfer door looks wide open.

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Speaking after Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth, van Dijk didn’t shy away from the topic.

I think it (defensively) was much more improved than the last game but there is still work to do.”

Van Dijk also pointed to the challenges of integrating new faces.

“The manager already said we are playing with a right-back (Jeremie Frimpong) who came from the Bundesliga, is 24 years old and is trying to get used to how we defend, we play with Milos (Kerkez) who is a very young full-back, very eager and full of energy, who is trying to get used to the way we play.”

Liverpool fans will read between the lines.

With Newcastle away next, where clean sheets are as rare as a quiet St James’ Park, the pressure to strengthen might only increase.

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