Southampton would rather Virgil van Dijk 'rot' in the reserves than sell him to Liverpool this month.

Van Dijk slapped in a transfer request this week after months of speculation over his future.

Saints are ready to get tough to wreck captain Van Dijk's hopes of a dream £60m move to Anfield.

They hope their hardline stance will instead smoke out interest in their wantaway captain from Chelsea.

The champions have yet to formally contact the south coast club but have been keeping a close eye on developments.

A Saints insider told the Daily Star: “We do not want to sell Virgil to Liverpool and will happily let him sit in the stands all season if we have to.

“Most of the fans would back the club in this after everything that has gone on."