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Virgil van Dijk has given his assessment of Bradley Barcola as Liverpool edge towards a club-record level move for the winger in the closing phase of the summer transfer window. The Liverpool skipper has spoken about the club's imminent big-money pursuit of the Paris Saint-Germain star, with the Reds reportedly nearing completion of a deal worth as much as £123 million in what would be a major statement from the Anfield decision-makers.

Anfield gets ready for Barcola's arrival

Liverpool are drawing nearer to a stunning nine-figure transfer as the summer market approaches its hectic finish. The Reds have earmarked Barcola as the missing part in their attacking setup, and the young France international has already been seen bidding farewell to the Paris supporters. Talks have moved forward quickly over the past 24 hours, with Barcola having arrived for his medical to complete the final formalities of the transfer.

The move would make Barcola the second most expensive signing in Liverpool's history, behind only the £125m paid for Alexander Isak, as he gets set to tie his future to Anfield on a five-year deal. Although the transfer fee is substantial, the view inside the recruitment team is that Barcola's potential is high enough to make the outlay worthwhile.

Van Dijk praises Barcola's qualities

Van Dijk has now given his take on the possible signing, stressing the huge quality the 21-year-old would add to a side determined to stay competitive at the top end of the Premier League. Speaking after Liverpool's frustrating 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, Van Dijk was highly complimentary about the player expected to arrive.

"He's a good player, that's the only thing I can say," the Dutch defender said. "I don't think there's any doubt that a club like Liverpool is very attractive to very good players. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We all know that we're going through a little bit of a transition. You either want to be a part of it or you don't. The window is open until Tuesday, right? Let's see what happens."

"He's a player with pace. I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea. If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms. Until it's official there's no point speaking about it."

Liverpool captain issues squad-depth warning

Even though Barcola's expected arrival represents a huge investment in the future, Van Dijk is also fully conscious of the importance of keeping the squad stable after a summer marked by several major exits. Since the end of last season, the Reds have already lost Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Curtis Jones. The captain made it clear that if Liverpool are to thrive in this new phase, they need to keep strengthening the squad rather than allowing it to be weakened.

"It's about continuing to push each other," he explained. "The manager said before the weekend what he wants from our front three or four - to give everything and then if we have to bring someone else on to finish the job he'll do so. We need each other to be successful. Adding quality to the squad always makes a difference. Let's see what the next few days brings. After Tuesday we have to fight for everything with no regrets."

Focus turns to consistency at Anfield

Apart from the transfer talk, Van Dijk also admitted his concern over Liverpool's recent home form, especially after they failed to take all three points against Forest. He called for the side to rediscover the authority that defined the club's best years, urging his team-mates to improve in both defence and attack. The captain noted that seeing opponents come to Anfield and take points away over several successive seasons is a pattern that has to end immediately if Liverpool are serious about competing for the biggest trophies.

"We have to score more, concede less, dominate more with and without the ball," Van Dijk said. "Nottingham Forest have come here the last three seasons and remained unbeaten. That shouldn't happen. In all the years I've been at the club it hadn't happened. It's down to us to make sure we are a unit - every member of the squad together with our fans. It takes some time."