Virgil van Dijk has revealed he could make a sensational move to Liverpool in the January window.
The Holland international has claimed he has no regrets over his failed attempt to join the Merseyside giants during the summer and raised the possibility of a stunning mid-season transfer.
A move to Liverpool appeared to be a formality until they were accused of tapping the Holland international up in June.
Van Dijk subsequently tried to engineer a move to Anfield by handing in a transfer request but Southampton held firm in their desire to hold on to the £60million-rated ace.
Recalled to the Holland squad this week, Van Dijk spoke to the media in his homeland for the first time about the summer saga that led to him being temporarily frozen out at Southampton.
Asked about his failed bid to join Liverpool, Van Dijk said, as quoted by Tribal Football: “I have no regrets. Of course, I wanted to go one step up, but eventually Southampton did not want to let me go, but you’re a professional, so now I’ll give everything to the club. Halfway through the season, maybe we can see what’s possible.”
The Dutchman has been building up his fitness since the summer transfer window shut and started his first match since January last Saturday as the Saints lost 2-1 at Stoke City.
OPINION
Liverpool fans will be doing cartwheels at Van Dijk’s revelation that he could join in January. Southampton held firm in the face of the player’s sustained attempt to engineer a move to Merseyside in the summer, but it has done them little good. The Dutchman has played just twice after being frozen out following his return from a lengthy lay-off. Saints would be better off getting rid, and sharpening their malfunctioning attack, while Liverpool desperately need a commanding centre-back who does not get a nosebleed when the opposition have a corner. Van Dijk might also be a few quid cheaper in the winter window, which will please the Liverpool bean counters. Without him, or a defender of similar ilk, it is impossible for Jurgen Klopp’s side to win the Premier League.