Liverpool transfer news: Virgil van Dijk more likely to join Chelsea or Man City - report

LIVERPOOL have reportedly been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Virgil van Dijk.

Steven Gerrard backs Liverpool to sign Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Van Dijk all summer, despite announcing they had ended their interest after Southampton complained to the Premier League about their approach for their player.

Chelsea have also recently been monitoring the Dutch international's situation at Southampton after he handed in a transfer request last week.

Southampton are reluctant to sell their star defender just one year after he committed his long-term future to the Saints.

And Yahoo Sports claim Liverpool have been moved to the back of the queue for Van Dijk’s signature.

Liverpool could lose their battle to sign Virgil van Dijk GETTY

Liverpool could lose their battle to sign Virgil van Dijk

Jurgen KloppGETTY

Jurgen Klopp is reportedly still targeting a move for Van Dijk

It is reported both Chelsea and Manchester City hold the advantage of completing a deal for the 26-year-old.

But they would have to pay a world record fee for a defender with Southampton not willing to sell for less than £70million.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard insists he wanted his former side to make a move for the Dutch international even before his move to 

“I think he’s an amazing player,” Gerrard told BT Sport. “I think he would strengthen any team in the league.

“[From] what I have seen at Celtic, what suggested at Southampton, I was actually hoping we [Liverpool] would go make a bid for him when he came from Celtic.

“It was no surprise to me that he set the world alight at Southampton.

“You can understand why the fee is going to be huge if he eventually get this transfer over the line.

“You think of all them top four teams, even the top six, he’d make them all better.”

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