Southampton upset by Reds’ cash splash for Saint Virgil

LONDON — Dutch international defender Virgil van Dijk could become the world’s most expensive defender and join Liverpool from English Premier League rival Southampton, according to British media reports.

The 25-year-old — who joined Southampton in 2015 after impressing at Scottish champion Celtic — would cost around $77 million, according to the reports.

However, BBC Radio Solent, a local Southampton station, and other media outlets reported later on Tuesday the Saints were unhappy and had asked the Premier League to probe whether there had been an illegal approach by Liverpool.

Van Dijk would be the Reds’ most expensive ever signing — striker Andy Carroll having cost $45 million in moving from Newcastle United in 2011.

Celtic would be in line for 10 percent of the fee having included a sell-on clause in Van Dijk’s Saints switch.

David Luiz is presently the most expensive defender, having been sold to Paris Saint-Germain by Chelsea for $64 million in 2014.

According to The Sun, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has convinced club owners Van Dijk is deserving of earning a weekly salary of almost $258,000 — the highest in club history.

Van Dijk — who also caught the eye of Manchester City and Premier League champion Chelsea — is keen on a move to Liverpool, not only for Champions League involvement but also to join compatriot and close friend Georginio Wijnaldum.

Saints boss Claude Puel has insisted that Van Dijk would stay at St Mary’s next season, pointing out that the Dutchman was contracted to the club until 2022.

“He’s our captain and he’s important for us. He’s matured and taken leadership on the team; he’s a fantastic player we know well,” Puel told the Daily Telegraph two weeks ago.

“He’s important for us and we will wait for the begin- ning of the season to see him back on the pitch with Southampton.”

Hazard sidelined

Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard is likely to miss the beginning of next season after the Blues announced on Monday he will be sidelined for three months after undergoing ankle surgery.

The Belgium international fractured his ankle training ahead of the friendly with the Czech Republic and the 2018 World Cup qualifier with Estonia on Friday.

“Eden Hazard successfully underwent surgery today after sustaining a fracture to his right ankle while training with the Belgian national team,” read a statement on Chelsea’s website.

“He is expected to return to training in approximately three months.”

The 26-year-old, who was a driving force in Chelsea’s title win, posted a picture of himself in his hospital bed on Twitter.