Report: Southampton would prefer to sell Virgil van Dijk to Chelsea

Southampton have reportedly expressed more of an interest to do business with Chelsea rather than with Liverpool regarding Virgil van Dijk.

In June, the Saints called on the Premier League to investigate an alleged illegal approach from the Reds, a move which led to Liverpool issuing an apology.

According to The Sun, the breakdown in relations between the two clubs has led to Southampton favouring the Blues in any negotiations for the Netherlands defender.

However, the report goes on to say that the south coast side are unwilling to part with Van Dijk at all, although the centre-back is said to be pining for a departure from St Mary's.

Liverpool have signed a number of key Southampton players over the years, including Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne, Sadio Mane and Rickie Lambert.