Manager replies when asked if Virgil van Dijk will sign for Liverpool FC in January
Mauricio Pellegrino delivers the latest update on reported Liverpool FC target Virgil van Dijk's future at Southampton
Mauricio Pellegrino has handed Liverpool FC a fresh boost in their reported pursuit of Virgil van Dijk by admitting that he is powerless to stop the defender from leaving Southampton in the January transfer window.
The Reds were heavily linked with a move to sign Van Dijk early on in the summer transfer window but a move failed to materialise after Southampton accused the Merseyside outfit of an alleged illegal approach.
Liverpool FC issued a statement back in June apologising for their conduct ads they publicly withdrew their interest in the 26-year-old.
However, there is likely to be plenty of fresh speculation in the coming days suggesting that the Reds could be set to reignite their interest in Van Dijk as the January transfer window draws ever nearer, with Chelsea also touted as a possible destination.
Now, Southampton boss Pellegrino has admitted that the decision about Van Dijk’s future lies with the owners of the south coast club.
Asked about Van Dijk’s future after Southampton’s loss to Chelsea on Saturday, Pellegrino said: “I will repeat that I can’t control the market.
“I’m not the owner of the player. I can have my opinion and this I have given to the technical director, to the chairman.
“After, the board can decide all together which is the best for the team.”
Should Van Dijk sign for Liverpool FC in January, he would be eligible to play in the Champions League for the Reds.
Liverpool FC will return to Premier League action on Friday night when they take on Arsenal at The Emirates.
The Reds are aiming to at least match their fourth-placed finish in the Premier League from last season.
