At the very beginning of the summer transfer window, it looked all but a formality that Virgil van Dijk would complete a fairly expensive transfer to Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp was desperate to land the Dutch international after he enjoyed a brilliant Premier League campaign with Southampton, however, his efforts failed spectacularly.

In fact, the Reds had to publicly apologise for their pursuit of Van Dijk after the allegedly 'tapped up' the former Celtic man.

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Ever since, his future has been shrouded in some mystery, with the Saints disciplining him for his poor attitude and forcing him to train alone.

However, on Monday afternoon, it was announced that Van Dijk had handed in a formal transfer request.

Clearly, he wants to follow in the steps of Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana to make the move from the south coast to Merseyside.

However, Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has issued his former club a warning about going back in for Van Dijk, saying that he believes it will still be mighty difficult to get him.

He told the Echo: "It was obvious that Liverpool were in for him but I'm not sure what will happen now.

"It wouldn't surprise me if another couple of clubs came in for him, the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.

"I don't think it's plain sailing for Liverpool. In the early days it was us who were courting him and it looked like he was going to come but it's been quiet for a good few weeks and the transfer request might prove a catalyst for others to enter the fray.

"I think he's a great player and we're trying to compete on a number of fronts this season including the Champions League so it's important that the squad is right and we strengthen.

"He'd be a fantastic addition but until there comes a point that the club come out and say they've got him, I think it's a little bit raw talking about him given what happened with him and Liverpool earlier in the summer."

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