Virgil van Dijk has accused Southampton of sabotaging his career after submitting a transfer request in an attempt to force his exit. Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal all want to sign the Holland international who says he was insulted by claims that he refused to train with Mauricio Pellegrino’s squad.

Southampton have responded to the development by maintaining that Van Dijk, whose last appearance came in January when he injured his ankle, is not for sale. That stance will continue to be tested before the transfer window closes at the end of the month given that they could secure a fee of between £50 million and £70 million for a defender whose relationship with club officials has now deteriorated further.

Van Dijk’s preference is a move