Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Liverpool will only move back in for Virgil van Dijk this summer if Southampton make it clear they are willing to consider offers for the centre-back.

The Reds are prepared to shatter their transfer record to make the £60million rated Dutchman the most expensive defender in the world.

Van Dijk has his heart set on moving to Anfield and has been banished to train on his own after making his desire known to new Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino.

However, Southampton remain adamant that Van Dijk, who is under contract until 2022, is not for sale.

Pellegrino says Van Dijk will be reintegrated into the squad once he has accepted that he’s staying put.

Liverpool know they need to tread carefully after the ‘tapping up’ row which erupted last month.

The Reds issued an apology to Saints after being accused of making an illegal approach and publicly ended their interest in Van Dijk. However, Jurgen Klopp’s huge admiration for the former Celtic defender hasn’t changed.

Liverpool, who avoided punishment from the Premier League following a probe, will continue to monitor the situation with interest.

If Southampton’s stance changes and they decide to reluctantly listen to offers rather than retain an unhappy player then the Reds will make their move in the hope that a compromise can be reached that suits all parties.

The South Coast outfit are desperate to avoid losing another player to Liverpool having already seen Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Sadio Mane leave for Anfield over the past three years.

Liverpool are set to decide this week whether to table a third bid for RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita. Their improved offer of £66million was rejected last week.