Liverpool dealt major blow in hopes of signing defender as Chelsea also interested in the centre-back

If reports from The Sun are anything to go by, Liverpool’s transfer plans have been dealt another major blow.

According to The Sun, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are still much interested in bringing Southampton captain Virgil van Dijk to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Dijk, 26, is currently training alone from the rest of the Southampton players after he submitted a transfer request, and a sure departure appears to be on the cards.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has had Dijk on his transfer radar for long as he looks to reinforce his defensive options ahead of next season, but has seen the Saints refuse to listen to bids.

West London club Chelsea have now re-emerged as a strong contender for the signature of Van Dijk, with Antonio Conte keen on competing on all fronts next campaign.

The ball-playing abilities of the Dutchman stand him out of his colleagues, and considering how poor Dejan Lovren is as regards that, a Joel Matip – Van Dijk pairing looks ideally perfect for the Reds.

But with Liverpool now careful not to cause further damage to their relationship with Southampton following the earlier “tapping up” allegations, further twists and turns are bound to happen in their chase of the defender.