Southampton report Liverpool to authorities over their approach for Virgil van Dijk

Could the deal be off?

Southampton have reported Liverpool to football's authorities over an alleged illegal approach to centre-half Virgil van Dijk, according to the BBC. Van Dijk has made his preference to join the Reds ahead of both Chelsea and Manchester City known, but the Saints are reluctant to lose their prized defender. The 25-year-old Dutch international only signed a new six-year contract at Southampton last year, having joined the South Coast club from Celtic in the summer of 2015. Van Dijk missed the second half of last season with an ankle injury but is expected to play a full part in pre-season training. Whether that's at Southampton, Liverpool or elsewhere remains to be seen.