Former Liverpool target Virgil van Dijk has tipped the Reds to challenge for Champions League glory this season.

Liverpool have famously lifted the trophy on five previous occasions – the most of any English side, last doing so under Rafael Benitez in 2005 – and Southampton defender van Dijk believes their time might be coming again.

The Dutch international was wanted by Jurgen Klopp earlier this summer but the Reds sensationally abandoned their pursuit when the Saints threatened to report them to the Premier League over an alleged illegal approach.

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Liverpool chiefs hastily drafted an apology and van Dijk remained at St Mary's despite handing in a transfer request in August and being forced to train on his own.

When asked which English side would go furthest in the Champions League this season van Dijk, who was speaking at the launch of EA SPORTS FIFA 18, told Squawka: “I think Liverpool and Man City maybe.”

On their chances of actually lifting the trophy, he added: “You never know. It’s always going to be difficult and [it’s] a different style of play – European nights are always different.

“Anything can happen, especially if you are the big English clubs who are in the Champions League at the moment.”