Southampton have reportedly requested for an investigation to take place over Liverpool's pursuit of defender Virgil van Dijk.

The Merseyside giants have been heavily linked with a move for the Netherlands centre-back, and it has been claimed that he is keen on a switch to Anfield.

However, according to PA, Southampton are unhappy with the current developments and have indicated that they believe that Liverpool have gone against Premier League regulations in trying to sign the £50m-rated player.

The alleged accusations coincide with odds being slashed regarding the potential transfer, with some bookmakers suspending betting on a deal being completed on Monday afternoon.

Chelsea and Manchester City are also looking to try to purchase the 25-year-old, and appear willing to meet Southampton's asking price for a player they signed for just £11.5m in September 2015.

Van Dijk has made 55 appearances for Southampton in the Premier League, but he missed the final months of the season with an ankle injury.