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After all of the drama that unfolded about tapping up and unprofessional practices, the link between Virgil Van Dijk and Liverpool will seemingly not die down. With the players future still far from certain, many will see selling to the Anfield giants as a humiliating climb down – after rumors circulated that Southampton had reported Liverpool to the premier league for an illegal approach of the Dutchman. Interestingly, though, it appears on this occasion the Saints’ Chief Executive of Football Les Reed is prepared to dig his heels in to keep his man. Despite this, reports have continued to seep out into the press that Van Dijk has his heart – like his predecessor Dejan Lovren – on a move to Anfield above all other premier league teams.

On the face of it, this does appear sightly odd.

With the modern games demand for defenders who can play the ball, VVD’s talents certainly stick out. He has the rare trait of being able to comfortably take the ball forward – sometimes into the opposition half – but still have the grit and authority to command the back line. Equally, his height and athleticism make him a mean match for even the premier leagues most physical of forwards. Add to this his silky passing and composure, and you have a player that ticks a lot of boxes for top clubs both in England and Europe.

Of course, he is not completely without fault. In particular, his ambitious runs with the ball can sometimes leave the defensive line exposed to counter attacks if he loses the ball. Having said that, at the age of 26 there can’t be too many saints fans who don’t accept his future lies elsewhere.

What makes his apparent – and, I stress unconfirmed – desire to sign for Liverpool an odd choice is plain to see. Firstly, a player of Van Dijks quality wants to win trophies first and foremost. The last time Liverpool won a title was the league cup, five years ago – not exactly world beating form. Of course a rebuttal to this point, and a valid one at that, is that Liverpool can offer champions league football. That being said, so can a lot of other clubs that are reportedly interested in acquiring his services, namely Chelsea – and it’s hard to argue with the idea that he would get his hands on Silverware quicker in London.

If the reports are to be believed, though, the real attraction to Liverpool for Virgil Van Dijk is Jurgen Klopp. In fairness to the Dutchman, it is easy to see why. Klopps charismatic and tactical approach clearly commands a great deal of respect from his players at Anfield, plain to see by his public displays of unity on the pitch after every game. Couple this with the Germans impressive record at Borussia Dortmund, and it’s clear to see why top players want to play for him.

The “klopp effect” has clearly – like his predecessor before him – turn Van Dijks head. So much so, that new Saints manager Mauricio Pellegrino has ordered his captain to train on his own; and left him out of Southampton’s preseason tour of France. It seems that short of handing in a transfer request, VVD has done everything he can to force a move. For now it seems that while publicly Liverpool have rescinded their interest, behind the scenes they are doing all they can to make this move happen.

If Southampton do manage to hold out though, it certainly puts the Dutchman in an awkward situation. In a world cup year, how long will he want to spend on the bench getting his head straight – especially if he wants to maintain interest from other clubs?

Answers on a postcard, dated September 1st…