Former Stoke City striker Peter Odemwingie has concerns for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool have tried to snap up Van Dijk all summer long but have failed to sign the Saints defender.

Odemwingie, who is no stranger to a transfer saga, has sympathy for Van Dijk and believes there's no way back for him at St Mary's.

He told talkSPORT: "I don't think it'll ever be the same for a player who is going through that situation.

"It's a bad situation for both the player at the club because if he stays, he's never going to be the same.

"He won't play the same way and fans will be upset, sometimes just one word from a fan will remind you about what happened in the summer and it can put you off completely, for a whole week or even a whole month.

"I can understand Van Dijk's point of view. This situation will be difficult for him, there are big clubs going after him.

"Southampton is a good club with great fans, but it's absolutely understandable that he wants to make the best of his career. You get more respect if you play at the top clubs and if you challenge for European titles."