Liverpool’s transfer plans have been dealt another huge blow if reports from The Sun are anything to go by.
According to the publication, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are still very much interested in landing Southampton captain Virgil van Dijk.
The 26-year-old centre-back is currently training alone from the rest of the Saints after he submitted a transfer request, and a certain exit appears to be on the cards.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has had the Dutchman on his radar for long as he looks to strengthen his defensive options ahead of next term, but has seen Southampton refuse to listen to offers.
Chelsea have now re-emerged as a strong challenger for the signature of Van Dijk, with Conte keen on competing on all fronts next season.
The ball-playing abilities of the former Celtic star stands him out of his peers, and considering how unimpressive Dejan Lovren is as regards that, a Joel Matip – Van Dijk partnership looks ideally perfect for Liverpool.
But with the club now careful not to cause further damage to their relationship with the South Coast club following the earlier “tapping up” allegations, further twists and turns are bound to emerge in the pursuit of the defender.
