Virgil van Dijk returns to Southampton first team training following failed summer transfer move to Liverpool

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Virgil van Dijk has returned to first team training following a failed summer transfer to Liverpool.

The Dutchman trained away from the Saints' first team for the duration of the summer, and refused to go on pre-season tour with the side.

Instead Van Dijk remained in England, training with the Under-23 squad and working alone on his fitness with club staff.

Virgil van Dijk has returned to Southampton first team training following his failed transfer

The Dutchman made clear his desire to leave the club and handed in a transfer request

New boss Mauricio Pellegrino is now expected to put Van Dijk back into the starting XI

Van Dijk found himself at the centre of one of the biggest transfer dramas of the summer, with his heart seemingly set on a move to Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp had met with the defender at the end of the 2016-17 season, in a meeting which later led to Liverpool issuing a public apology to Southampton and 'dropping all interest' in the player.

The Dutchman later handed in a transfer request in order to push through a move, in which he issued a long statement citing his desire to play European football and test himself at the highest level.

'I am incredibly ambitious and want to achieve as much as I possibly can to fulfil my potential in what is a very short career as a professional footballer,' Van Dijk wrote.

Van Dijk hasn't featured for his side since injuring his ankle against Leicester back in January

Despite pushing hard for a move Southampton managed to retain their prized asset

'I want to play European football again and challenge for major honours and as such I would like Southampton to consider the interest in me from top clubs should it still exist.

'I have been left frustrated by the club's position that I am not for sale and am disappointed that enquiries from multiple top clubs have been consistently rebuffed.'

Southampton stood firm on their stance not to sell the player, who hasn't featured in their side since injuring his ankle against Leicester City back in January. 

Van Dijk is now expected to finally take his place back in the Saints' starting XI, and make his first appearance back following the international break.