Paul Merson has made the bold claim that Liverpool will win the league if they sign one specific player in January - the former Arsenal midfielder believes Liverpool should splash the cash on Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk if they want to really push for the title this season.
In an interview withtalkSPORT, 48-year-old Merson said: "For me, I think if Liverpool get together and go and buy Van Dijk for £50m in January, they will take some beating.They've got the firepower going forward, I just don't think they've got it at the back.
"I know they've done it this season so far, but defensively they aren't going to be good enough [against the big teams].If they can go out and get Van Dijk, I think £50m, that nearly wins you the Premier League."
Liverpool have only kept three clean-sheets in their 13 Premier League games this season and have been heavily linked with the Dutch international.
They wouldface fierce competition for his signature withboth Manchester United and Manchester City keen to signthe 25-year-oldin January.
�#LFC signings from Southampton
Lambert £4m
Lallana £25m
Lovren £20m
Clyne £12m
Mane £32m
MORE!?https://t.co/eG9oQiRAGo
Van Dijk, if he were to sign,would join a long list of former Saints players who have made the switch to Anfield in recent years.Since 2014 Liverpool have signed five players from the Saints, for a combined total of £93m.
Not every former Saint has found it easy at Liverpool, but a player of Van Dijk's quality would have no problem slotting into Jurgen Klopp's already tightsystem.
Having played in 11 of Southampton's 13 Premier League games this season, the centre back has proved fundamental in his side's performances this term.
The team #SaintsFC could of had 
Forster, Clyne, Alderweireld, Van Dijk, Shaw, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Walcott, Lallana, Mane, Bale
Signed back in 2015 as a replacement for now Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld, the former Celtic man has managed tocement himself in the hearts of theSaint's fans.
The signing ofVan Dijk could prove fundamental in what should be a huge second half of the season for Liverpool as they look to win their first ever Premier League title.
Southampton, however, will be hoping to hold onto their star man as they continue to battle in the Premier League and in the Europa League.