Earlier this summer, Liverpool were forced to publicly apologise for their pursuit of Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk.

The Saints were furious at the reported 'tapping up' of their player and despite a healthy relationship in the transfer market between the clubs - which usually goes one way - they stood up for themselves.

The statement read: "Liverpool Football Club would like to put on record our regret over recent media speculation regarding Southampton Football Club and player transfers between the two clubs.

"We 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."

However, it appears the damage was done and Van Dijk has had his heart set on a move to Anfield ever since. Because of that stance, other clubs have been put off from making a bid for the Dutch international.

According to the Daily Mail, two major developments set for this week could see Van Dijk finally get his dream move.

First of all, Southampton appears to have found a replacement. The south coast club have held talks with Lazio over £12m-rated defender Wesley Hoedt - also a Dutch international - and that is the clearest sign yet they are bracing themselves for life without their star man.

Furthermore, Van Dijk, 26, is due to meet the club this week and talk about his next move. He spent last week training in isolation at Southampton's Staplewood training base while the team were on a pre-season trip to France.

While Southampton may be hoping that the talks convince the former Celtic man to stay at the St Mary's Stadium, it is likely to be a case of Van Dijk reaffirming his wishes to move to Liverpool.

While the Mail's report does not state whether the Saints' stance has softened on their £60 million man, their transfer activity does a degree of talking for them.

Liverpool have been mightily impressive going forward in preseason, but acquiring someone like Van Dijk at the back would surely make them top Premier League contenders.