Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk 'would prefer Liverpool to Chelsea'

Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk would reportedly prefer a move to Liverpool than Chelsea after lodging a formal transfer request.

The Dutchman has been linked to the Reds for some time, but it seemed as though a deal was dead in the water after the club were accused by Southampton of tapping up their star man.

In June, Liverpool released a statement apologising for their conduct and publicly claimed that they will withdraw their interest in the player, who is now attempting to force a move.

On Monday, Van Dijk announced that he had "no alternative" but to hand in a transfer request, and he rubbished suggestions that he refused to train, but confirmed that he was not in the right frame of mind to take part in the Saints' pre-season trip to France.

It is believed that Chelsea are interested in signing the £60m-rated centre-back, but according to The Express, Van Dijk still has his heart set on a move to Anfield.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp recently hinted that he is no longer in the market for a defender by insisting that he does not need any more players in that position.