That is according to Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce.
Van Dijk was a target for Liverpool throughout the summer transfer window.
The Dutchman handed in a transfer request but Southampton refused to sell.
Liverpool’s defence has come under severe criticism this season, with yesterday’s 4-1 loss at Tottenham highlighting their frailties at the back.
Pearce does not understand why they did not have a backup option to the Southampton star in the summer.
But he says Liverpool will already be plotting a January raid and he hopes the deal gets done.
“Well I think it seems as though they’ve put all their eggs in the Van Dijk basket, let’s say,” Pearce said.
“They were desperate to get him in the summer.
“That didn’t happen for whatever reason and they didn’t go for a second or third option.
“I think they will be sat here at this moment in time going back for Van Dijk in January.
“Hopefully that will be the case.”
After regaining full fitness following an ankle injury and missing most of pre-season, Van Dijk has started Southampton’s last three Premier League games.
