Former Southampton striker Gordon Watson is disappointed seeing Virgil van Dijk push to join Liverpool.

Watson, who played for Saints in the 1990s, reckons that if the Dutchman moved to Anfield it would only be for the money as trophies are far from guaranteed.

"The situation is laughable," Watson told the Daily Echo. “He's our best player and prized asset. He's up there with the two best centre-backs in the Premier League.

“If he went to a Barcelona he'd be waved off with everyone behind him. Nobody would deny him of such a move.

“But Liverpool? No, he's way better than that. The whole thing is dirty, after everything that's happened."

Watson believes a move to Anfield would just be for the cash and nothing else.

“He's been ill-advised," he said. “A move to Liverpool would just be a pay day, it wouldn't be for trophies or accolades.

“It's only for money and with Barcelona in need of a defender, you might have them knocking on the door soon. Van Dijk should only be moving to one of the best clubs in the world - Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona.

“If he went to one of them, he'd leave with Saints' best wishes.

“You go to Liverpool, there's no guarantee of trophies, just money.

“To further his career, he needs a move to one of the best."