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An Instagram photo of Southampton's in-demand defender Virgil van Dijk apparently in London has ratcheted up speculation.

Van Dijk slapped in a transfer request 10 days ago in a bid to force his way out, with Liverpool the long-term pursuers and Chelsea also keen.

But now, a picture posted on Instagram of 'big dog' Van Dijk has sent some fans into a bit of a stir.

@philipuby, who has shared many pictures of himself and Van Dijk, posted a picture to his Instagram story suggesting the Saints man in London

It is worth pointing out that while it might suggest a Chelsea link, Liverpool also have offices in London, Football.London reports .

And the picture of van Dijk, appearing to be sat at a table in an apartment, suggests he was in the capital for leisure not business.

That didn't stop today's photo, which was later deleted by the Instagram user from his story, from getting football fans excited.

(Image: AFP)

Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger today tried to put an end to the van Dijk exit talk.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the want-away Dutchman ramped up is attempts to leave Krueger said: “Nobody is for sale that we don't want to sell and so he is not for sale in this window. We have said it more than once.

“Mauricio Pellegrino has done an amazing job of dealing with this situation. It has not disrupted our team.

“It is not in any way caused a lack of focus in training, in the locker room, and of course everybody will open their arms when Virgil comes back and we go at it.”