Liverpool have received some positive news regarding their ongoing pursuit of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.

Signed for £13m in 2015, the 26-year-old Dutchman's value has sky-rocketed since joining the Saints from Celtic.

Van Dijk is currently training alone after manager Mauricio Pellegrino confirmed that the club captain handed in a transfer request amid Liverpool interest.

He was omitted from the matchday squad for Southampton's 0-0 draw with Swansea on the opening weekend of the Premier League season and will not feature against West Ham on Saturday either.

Ready to smash the club record, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is willing to spend close to £70m on the wantaway Southampton star.

It's been a frustrating summer in the transfer market for Klopp and the Liverpool supporters with RB Leipzig and Southampton taking an incredibly firm stance.

Naby Keita and Van Dijk have been subject to numerous bids but both clubs are refusing to surrender their key players.

As per The Times, Liverpool have received a major boost in their pursuit of Van Dijk.

Southampton's new Chinese owners have reportedly informed Pellegrino that he must sell players in order to buy new ones.

The new owners bought 80% of the club on Monday but "have no plans to inject additional capital into the business or to spend money on new players because the takeover was largely financed via a bank loan and contributions from third-party investors," according to The Times.

Pellegrino has not been told to sell Van Dijk but has been made aware that players must be sold in order to finance new signings.

The club have spent £20m so far this summer, bringing in Mario Lemina from Juventus and Jan Bednarek from Lech Poznan.

"Nothing has changed - it is the same as last week," Pellegrino said speaking prior to Saturday's game at home to West Ham.

"For that reason, I have nothing to say, he [Van Dijk] won't be available to play."

Lazio defender Wesley Hoedt has been linked with a £15m move to Southampton and Pellegrino responded to speculation.

"I know the player, but I will not talk about the market," said Pellegrino.

"When you sign and you pay the player is for you, before that I have nothing to say.

"Right now, as you know, we have to be ready for a player to help us in the back four."

Hoedt could surely only become a Southampton player if a deal is agreed for Liverpool with Van Dijk. This saga is far from finished.