Van Dijk frozen out of training trip to France as transfer saga rumbles on

Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk has been left out of the squad travelling to France for a training camp.

Manager Mauricio Pellegrino said last week the Dutchman would not be involved in the trip after the centre-back – subject of aborted interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool earlier in the summer – told him he wanted to leave the club.

Former Celtic player Van Dijk has been banished to train on his own and when Southampton published the 25-man travelling party his name was not on the list.

Saints are heading to Evianles-bains for a training camp and a game against St Etienne on Saturday.

Pellegrino said: “He is not involved with the team because psychologically he is not 100 per cent.

“If you are not 100 per cent with the team, I need to work with the players who are 1,000 per cent to defend Southampton.”

“I hope that Virgil can review his feelings because you know that today a player is big business.”

Van Dijk had been targeted by Liverpool but they were forced into a climbdown after claims emerged the defender had agreed to join them as the club had not even registered a bid, leading to an apology and public withdrawal of their interest after a complaint was made to the Premier League.

However, the Reds have tried hard to restore their relationship with Saints and it is thought they would be interested in reigniting their interest should they be given any indication the player is available, although Saints remain steadfast in their assertion he is not for sale.

Celtic could be in line for a handsome windfall from the 10 per cent sell-on clause in the deal to sell him to the Saints.