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Virgil van Dijk has said anyone questioning Liverpool’s ability to bring in elite talent must be bitter, as he made it clear he would gladly welcome Bradley Barcola to Anfield.

Liverpool have struck a deal worth £106m, potentially rising to £123m, with Paris Saint-Germain for the France winger, and Van Dijk said he believes the 23-year-old is a “very good player”.

However, he also stressed that Liverpool should retain Cody Gakpo, who has been drawing interest from Tottenham and Manchester City.

Liverpool were unsuccessful in attempts to sign Yan Diomande and Yankuba Minteh before submitting the bid for Barcola that Paris Saint-Germain accepted. The move will make him the second most expensive player in Liverpool’s history.

Van Dijk said: “I don't think there's any doubt that a club like Liverpool is attracting very, very good players. If someone's doubting that, then they're just trying to be a little bit bitter.

“I think Liverpool is still one of the biggest clubs in the world. We all know that we're going through a transition and you either want to be part of it or you don't. I'm part of it now.”

Barcola is due to undergo a medical on Merseyside and Van Dijk added: “Let's see what happens, but I think he's a very good player. So, if he comes, he'll be welcomed with open arms but until it's there, there's no point speaking about it now, and it's not there.”

Van Dijk also explained what stands out to him about Barcola, saying: “Pace, speed. I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea away. It was a pretty good finish as well.”

Gakpo netted Liverpool’s first goal of the season in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle and then provided the assist for Alexander Isak’s equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest.

Van Dijk said he hopes his fellow Dutchman remains at the club, adding: “He's a quality player and I think we should keep quality players, but let's see what the next three days bring. It's pretty clear that I want him to stay, not only because obviously he is the quality player that he is, but also he's a friend of mine and I think he will be very important for us.”