Premier League: Virgil van Dijk hands in transfer request

Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk has handed the club an official transfer request on Monday as he wants to leave the Saints as soon as possible. The 26-year-old central defender is wanted by several big clubs, including Liverpool, but so far there hasn't been any news of an official bid being made. Earlier this summer Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino said that he ordered the Dutch defender to train alone. "I would like Southampton to consider the interest in me from top clubs should it still exist," Van Dijk said. "I have been left frustrated by the club's position that I am not for sale and am disappointed that enquiries from multiple top clubs have been consistently rebuffed. I am incredibly ambitious and want to achieve as much as I possibly can to fulfil my potential in what is a very short career as a professional footballer. As a proud professional I am insulted by the suggestion that it was me who refused to train and so feel it is important to point out the true version of events." Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool had been linked with a move for Van Dijk this summer. Liverpool said they ended their interest in June after Southampton said they were going to report them to the Premier League for making an illegal approach to sign the player. Moreover, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp said last weekend that he does not need another central defender at the moment. However, Virgil van Dijk is 1/2 at Bet365 to join Liverpool this summer and 5/2 to join Chelsea.