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Virgil van Dijk has conceded that bringing in a new defender could "accelerate" Liverpool's progress. The Reds have reportedly been in discussions with Crystal Palace about a potential transfer for England international Marc Guehi.
Despite securing a thrilling 4-2 victory over Bournemouth in their Premier League opener on Friday, thanks to two late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool's defensive performance was criticized. Arne Slot's side also let in two goals against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.
The Reds have already brought in a fresh face in defence, signing young talent Giovanni Leoni from Parma. However, they have initiated talks with Palace regarding a move for Guehi.
Palace is reportedly asking for around $54 million (£40 million) for the center-back, whose contract expires next summer. Following Liverpool's win over Bournemouth, Van Dijk was asked about the possibility of the club signing a new defender.
"You can say you have to accelerate it (improvement) but that is down to the market," Van Dijk responded. "We have to focus on what's here and now. I think it (defensively) was much more improved than the last game but there is still work to do.
"The manager already said we are playing with a right-back (Jeremie Frimpong) who came from the Bundesliga, is 24 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.
"It needs time, that's absolutely normal, but we also played without our six, Ryan Gravenberch, who missed out (with suspension). We have to keep working, that's the main thing, trying to keep clean sheets.
"We conceded two goals in a transition moment where we have to do better. That's what we have to work on."
Van Dijk's remarks follow Palace chairman Steve Parish's admission that they might be compelled to sell Guehi this summer to prevent losing him for nothing next year. "We'd have to do that, of course," Parish said.
"For players of that caliber to leave on a free, it's a problem for us unfortunately. Joachim [Andersen] went [to Fulham last summer] and we couldn't afford to lose both.
"We then had another bid [for Guehi] in January but that was a different situation. We'll just have to see what happens. But, you know, it needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind."
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