Virgil van Dijk hands in a transfer request and explains why he wants to leave Southampton

Liverpool and Chelsea are big admirers.

Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk has handed in a transfer request and says that his desire to play European football is the key reason why he wants to leave St Mary's.

A few weeks ago, Liverpool ended their interest in the Dutch defender stating that they would like to "apologise to the owner, board of directors and fans of Southampton for any misunderstanding regarding Virgil van Dijk. We respect Southampton's position and can confirm we have ended any interest in the player." The former Celtic centre-back is wanted by a number of clubs but given that the Dutch international only signed a new six-year contract at Southampton last year, he won't be leaving Southampton for cheap. In fact, various reports have stated that any move for Van Dijk would see him becoming the most expensive defender in football history. Here's his statement in full: “Unfortunately I feel I have no alternative after I was given notice of the Club’s intention to impose a disciplinary sanction against me of a fine equivalent to 2 weeks wages. I will be appealing what I feel to be an unjustified sanction and their inability to follow the correct disciplinary protocol in due course. Over the past six months I have held numerous discussions with representatives of the board, the former manager Claude Puel as well as the new manager Mauricio Pellegrino to inform them all of my desire to leave the club in search of a new challenge. I am incredibly ambitious and want to achieve as much as I possibly can to fulfill my potential in what is a very short career as a professional footballer. I want to play European football again and challenge for major honours and as such I would like Southampton to consider the interest in me from top clubs should it still exist. I have been left frustrated by the club’s position that I am not for sale and am disappointed that enquiries from multiple top clubs have been consistently rebuffed. The period of time that I have just spent injured and unable to play has put a number of things into perspective and made me realise just how important it is to take major opportunities should they arise. I have consistently relayed my feelings to senior management at Southampton in what I believed to be private and personal conversations. Disappointingly, these conversations have regularly found their way into the media. I would also like to make clear that I have never once refused to train. I can confirm that I was asked about my frame of mind and for all of the reasons mentioned above I was open and honest in saying that I did not feel I was in a settled mindset given the circumstances. Following this conversation the manager explained that he only wanted players who he felt were 100% committed to Southampton and told me I would therefore have to train away from the first team. As a proud professional I am insulted by the suggestion that it was me who refused to train and so feel it is important to point out the true version of events. I had very much hoped to retain the good relationship I’ve always enjoyed with everyone at the club, especially the fans, but unfortunately in light of everything that’s happened this has now been seriously affected. I would like to make clear that I have nothing but gratitude to everyone at Southampton for giving me the opportunity to play in the Premier League. However, the time for me to move on is now and I hope to be able to work with the club to find the best resolution to suit all parties.” https://twitter.com/MelissaReddy_/status/894599470654132224