Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Everton have are reportedly looking to compete with Liverpool for one signing from Sunderland according to reports.

Virgil van Dijk has set the tone for a major summer at Liverpool, declaring it “should be a big summer” for transfers as the club prepares to reinforce its title-winning squad.

Fresh from scoring the winner against West Ham, Van Dijk confirmed Liverpool’s plans for a “proper pre-season” and squad enhancements: “Whatever happens in terms of players going out or coming in, I think it should be a big summer.

We 100% can improve”.

The Dutch defender, set to extend his contract until 2027 alongside Mohamed Salah.

Even Arne Slot has hinted that it could be a busy summer, with the Dutchman saying that Salah’s extension is part of a broader transfer plan ahead of the win over West Ham:

“We’ve worked hard — and by we, I mean the ownership (Fenway Sports Group), Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes — to achieve that.

And that’s a good start for this summer, clearly…”

“We have all the confidence in him that he can produce two more years than he has produced in the past seven or eight years, because of the reasons I just gave you?

But also because we will make this team very strong next season.”

Across Merseyside, Everton’s restructuring under the Friedkin Group is accelerating, with incoming CEO Angus Kinnear and transfer specialist Nick Hammond poised to lead a revolution at Goodison Park.

And it seems that both clubs are looking at Sunderland’s 17-year-old midfield prodigy Chris Rigg, whose £40 million valuation has ignited a fierce tug-of-war between the rivals according to a report from the iPaper.

The England U-19 international has clocked 40 appearances for Sunderland this season, blending defensive discipline (2.3 tackles/game) with creative flair (4 goals, 7 chances created).

Scouts from eight Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham, have monitored his performances, but Liverpool and Everton have intensified their pursuit.

This is far from the first time the Reds have been linked to the teenager.

The Black Cats remain adamant about retaining Rigg if they secure promotion via the playoffs.

However, their £40 million valuation – exceeding the £30 million Tottenham paid for Archie Gray – reflects awareness of looming bids.

As sporting director Kristjaan Speakman told local media: “Chris is integral to our project, but we understand the realities of the market”.

With the Championship season concluding on May 4, both clubs will await Sunderland’s playoff fate before formalizing bids.

Should Sunderland not make it to the Premier League next season, it appears certain that Rigg will move on from the Stadium of Light.

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone
For more news relating to West Ham, visit our sister site WHU Latest Live.