Virgil van Dijk has not handed in a transfer request, reports the Daily Echo, countering claims in some nationals over the past few days.
As of yet, van Dijk is away with Southampton on pre-season tour in Austria and new boss Mauricio Pellegrino has been told he can keep the centre-back.
According to the report, Southampton see little benefit in selling this summer, as with the hike in modern transfer fees, they expect the defender to actually be worth more in a year’s time – especially as he’s contracted to a six-year deal.
It’s thought that the only way the Saints will sell their Dutch skipper is if he himself actively pursues an exit – enabling the club to project an image to supporters that they’ve been backed into a corner and forced into a sale.
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Van Dijk has left countless subtle hints on social media that he wants to leave, but actions speak louder than words – and Liverpool realistically need him to be brave and upset his current fanbase if we’re to stand any chance of acquiring him – having already apologised publicly for an illegal approach.
This one is not going to be finalised any time soon and we’ll instead have to wait until the end of the window to get our man. The fact we haven’t moved on any other targets though definitely suggests there’s still hope on our part.