Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino was prepared to sell Virgil van Dijk in the summer.

The Times says Saints manager Pellegrino grew tired of Van Dijk's attempts to quit St Mary's for Liverpool.

Pellegrino 'would have happily sold Van Dijk' after the Dutchman handed in a transfer request in a bid to force through a move to Anfield.

But Southampton's board were insistent the club stood its ground and rebuffed any offers for the centre-half.

Van Dijk was back in action yesterday for victory at Crystal Palace.