Photo: AFP

Chelsea were at a time in the forefront to sign Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk this summer after the club reported Liverpool for approaching the Dutchman illegally.

With Liverpool off the deal, it was believed at the time that Chelsea will sign Van Dijk without stress, but even that hasn’t been possible and recent reports suggest that Chelsea’s move for the 26-year-old is off.

Despite Liverpool issuing a public apology and seemingly backing away from the deal to sign Van Dijk, reports claim Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp still holds an interest in the Dutch international and hopes the situation can be resolved.

According to the report by the Mirror, the 26-year-old has made it clear to Saints officials that he wants to play Champions League football next season and is still interested in a move to Liverpool.

This would further mean that Chelsea will back off permanently from the race to sign Van Dijk, especially with Antonio Rudiger joining soon.