Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk is reportedly still expecting to join Liverpool before the end of the current transfer window.

Liverpool had been closing in on a deal for the Dutch centre-back earlier this summer before ending their interest and apologising to Southampton after the Saints complained to the Premier League over an alleged illegal approach.

However, Van Dijk is still thought to be desperate to move to Anfield and was left out of the club's squad for their pre-season trip to France this week having expressed his desire to move.

Sky Sports News reports that sources close to the player expect him to join Liverpool before the transfer deadline, although Liverpool's position is not thought to have changed since they pulled out of the initial deal last month.

Southampton remain keen to keep the 26-year-old despite the high level of interest in him, with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City also rumoured to have considered bids.

The Saints are unlikely to accept offers of less than £60m for the former Celtic man, who made 21 Premier League appearances for the club last season.