Reds snub leaves Chelsea clear to land £65m Virgil
SOUTHAMPTON are against the idea of selling Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool – leaving Chelsea as frontrunners.
The two clubs are battling it out for the indemand Dutchman.
But the Reds have already had to cool their interest after Southampton accused them of making illegal approaches.
Jurgen Klopp was said to have met with Van Dijk personally, and Liverpool eventually had apologise.
Their pursuit, though, is not completely over, and they are still challenging title-winners Chelsea for his services.
However, according to reports last night, the Saints are not keen to do a deal with Liverpool.
The ill-feeling is said to mean Southampton would prefer to do business with alternative clubs if they decide to sell.
New manager Mauricio Pellegrino will not want to to lose Van Dijk. But offers in excess of £65million may be considered for the former Celtic player.
His old club are keeping tabs on the situation as they are due to receive 10 per cent of the sell-on fee.
Chelsea are now poised to table a bid worth £65m for the 25-year-old, as Antonio Conte looks for a long-term replacement for John Terry.
Meanwhile, Claudio Ranieri insisted he had moved on from his titlewinning spell at Leicester as he was unveiled as the new coach of Ligue 1 club Nantes.
The Italian led the Foxes to a remarkable Premier League triumph in 2016 but was sacked just months later with the club in relegation trouble.
Ranieri is now back in football management with French club Nantes and during his press conference he spoke of his desire to leave his time at Leicester in the past.
“It was fantastic to win the title with Leicester,” said Ranieri.
“The love that people showed me was fantastic.
“The motivation is always very strong. My love for football and the players are always very strong. The ground I miss a lot.
“But we must forget Leicester and work with humility.
“Leicester remains something unique. I arrive in a club that has eight titles. I am honoured to be here.”