Liverpool will not bid for Virgil van Dijk - until Southampton allow them to do so.

The Reds were caught illegally 'tapping up' the Dutchman and forced to apologise publicly for their actions.

However, the saga was reignited recently after van Dijk told the club he wanted to be sold this summer. His comments have forced him to train away from his teammates, according to Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino.

The 25-year old still has five years to run on his contract, but it is expected Southampton will sell him.

With the relationship between the two clubs still on shaky ground, Liverpool does not want to aggravate the situation by lodging an offical bid until Southampton invites them to do so.

Van Dijk will not travel with Southampton when they fly to France next week.