Liverpool ‘pull out’ of race to sign Virgil van Dijk as Manchester United rumours grow

He's certainly a coveted talent.

It's the Holy Grail of defensive recruitment - the centre-half who can 'play a bit'. And Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk can certainly do that. Since joining the Premier League side from Celtic at the beginning of last season, the big Dutchman has impressed with his commanding performances and comfort on the ball. Liverpool have been strongly linked to the 25-year-old for a while now, and this has caused no end of excited chatter and hypothetical discussion about how he'd fit into the Jurgen Klopp's side. But such hopes seem to be dashed, as the Mail report that the Anfield club have dropped their interest in the defender. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2nwpIhiJ5A Not that Van Dijk is lacking in suitors. As well as being very highly rated for his undeniable talents, the reliable De Telegraaf state that the player has a £25m release clause in his contract. Indeed the Times report that both Manchester United and Chelsea are keen to secure his services for that 'bargain' fee. Both clubs are keen to strengthen their respective defensive areas, and indeed both are also rumoured to be interested in Hoffenheim's 6ft 5 giant Niklas Süle. Although at 21 years of age, the German may be one for the future. Catch up with the latest episode of Football Friday Live: