Virgil van Dijk trying to force through Liverpool switch with Southampton insisting he is NOT for sale
Saints defender rebels against club's 'no sale' stance and continues to train alone ahead of season's start
VIRGIL VAN DIJK is desperate to force through a move to Liverpool - but Southampton have told him he is not for sale, according to reports.
The defender is reportedly set for showdown talks with boss Mauricio Pelligrino this week.
And in those discussions it is expected the south coast side will tell the Holland international they have absolutely no intention of letting him leave.
However, Van Dijk is also holding firm in his desire to sign for Jurgen Klopp.
It has led to a tense stand-off at St Mary's, with Van Dijk ordered to train alone while the rest of the side were in pre-season in France.
And that isolation will continue, report the Daily Echo, with the new Premier League season starting next Friday.
Pellegrino is preparing for the opening game against Swansea with Van Dijk not part of his plans.
Van Dijk, who signed from Celtic for £13million in September 2015, still has five years left on his contract.
And it looked as if the Saints could be preparing for his exit by lining up a £12m bid for Lazio defender Wesley Hoedt.
They were also linked with a £20m move for Tottenham's Kevin Wimmer.
But reports claim Southampton are desperate not to lose face and be bullied into a sale by the bigger club.
