VAN DIJK KEEN FOR MOVE TO LIVERPOOL

LIVERPOOL appear to have edged ahead in the race for in-demand Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk as the player has indicated he prefers a move to Anfield.

I t ’s u n d e r s t o o d the centre-back has made his feelings on his future clear and has chosen Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool ahead of interest from Premier League champions Chelsea and Manchester City.

However, a deal is a long way from being completed as the Reds have yet to make a bid for the player, with Saints expected to demand a world-record fee for a defender in excess of £50 million. That would smash Liverpool’s existing record transfer, the £35m they paid for Andy Carroll.

Liverpool have refused to comment on the speculation surrounding the former Celtic player and their interest in him.

But it is understood Van Dijk i s Klopp’s primary transfer target this summer and would be willing to offer a lucrative financial package, potentially making him the highestpaid player at the club, to secure the defender.

The chance to work with Klopp is believed to have been a significant factor in Van Dijk’s decision, despite similar opportunities being available with Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte.

Van Dijk missed t he second half of last season with an ankle ligament injury but has impressed since his move to England from Parkhead in September 2015 for £11.5m.