Liverpool have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Southampton defender Virgin Van Dijk after the Dutchman was left out of their pre-season tour squad which is going to France, according to a report on the Independent.
The want-away defender told Southampton that he wants to leave the St Mary’s this summer and it is thought that he wants to join the Merseyside club.
The defender had threatened not to go with the squad on their tour but has now been left out by manager Mauricio Pellegrino as the Dutchman looks to settle his future.
Pellegrino said:
The boy said that he is not available to play because he wants to leave. This is the decision. I had to say: ‘If you don’t want to be involved because you don’t feel OK then you have to train alone until this period of time happens. Now he is not involved with the team because psychologically he is not 100%. If you are not 100% with the team I need to work with the players who are 1,000% to defend Southampton. It’s easy for me.
Liverpool are being careful about how they approach Van Dijk after being reported by Southampton about an illegal approach for their player, which resulted in the Reds issuing an apology and stating that their interest in the player had ended.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to strengthen his defence and Van Dijk is one of his desired targets.
The defender could be targeted by Premier League duo Manchester City and Chelsea but Liverpool are hoping that he pushes for a move to Anfield so they can submit a bid.
Southampton are expecting more than £65m for the centre-back and there seems to be no future left for him at Southampton as he is adamant to leave the club.
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