Southampton’s stance over Virgil van Dijk has not changed, despite the player handing in an official transfer request earlier this week.

The Dutch international defender has made it clear that he wants to leave St Mary’s – despite signing a six-year deal only last year.

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Van Dijk wants to move, knowing a number of clubs have shown an interest – with Liverpool the most noted, which prompted a threat of an official complaint from Southampton.

The Saints have been left furious with how they have seen Liverpool’s approach to land van Dijk, and it is understood they would be willing to listen to other clubs ahead of the Merseyside giants.

Manchester City are being linked, but sources have told me that Chelsea remain favourites to land van Dijk – should Southampton let him leave.

We spoke to Unibet about the market on van Dijk next club, and their spokesman Alistair Gill gave us their thoughts on what will happen with the Dutch ace.

“Van Dijk’s odds of staying at Southampton have drifted out to 4/1 since new broke that he has requested a transfer away from the club,” he told TheGamblingTimes.com.

“Liverpool are currently odds on favourites to buy the player at 13/20, with Chelsea also reported to be interested and currently available at 7/5 with Unibet.

“It is hard to see anyone else showing much value, with City already spending £100m+ on defenders this off season the next in the list.

“A small case could be made for Everton, with the need to replace Funes Mori after long term injury, being value at 30/1, but having splashed the cash heavily already and their focus appearing to be on Gylfi Sigurdsson, it seems an unlikely destination.”

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