Virgil van Dijk is still holding out for a move to Liverpool despite being targeted by both Chelsea and Arsenal, according to reports.
Southampton are maintaining that the player will not be sold before the deadline, but The Guardian reports that Liverpool are ready to spend £70 million on the Dutch centre-back.
Chelsea have been interested in a deal for Van Dijk throughout the summer, while Arsenal have also registered their interest as Arsene Wenger looks to strengthen his options in central defence.
But the 26-year-old’s preference is to join up with Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, rather than make the move to either Chelsea or Arsenal.
Earlier this summer, Liverpool were forced to make a public apology and drop their interest in Van Dijk after details of Klopp’s extensive pursuit of the defender were made public.
Van Dijk has been training with Southampton’s Under-23 squad after he handed in a transfer request and criticised the club’s decision to refuse him a move away from St Mary’s.
The Netherlands international, who has not made a Premier League appearance so far this season, still has five years remaining on his current contract with Southampton.
Southampton captain, Steven Davis, insists that Van Dijk will be welcomed back into the team should the defender be at the club after the transfer window closes.
‘The door has never been shut on him,’ said Davis.
‘We will welcome him back. I’m sure if he came back into the team everybody would see the quality he’s undoubtedly got.
‘He is popular in the dressing room and has been a massive player for us. Hopefully we’ll keep him as it will make our squad stronger.’
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