Virgil van Dijk will sign with Liverpool by the end of the week, Sky Sports understands.

The Southampton defender has told the club he wants to be sold as soon as possible. Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino revealed last week that van Dijk was training away from the main squad and the Dutchman has since been left out of the group travelling to France.

Liverpool were forced to apologise for their illegal 'tapping up' of van Dijk after Southampton reported them to the FA last month.

Although the Reds have publicly denied their renewed interest, there is talk that after van Dijk's actions, the Saints have become more open to discussions with Liverpool.

A source close to the player, as quoted by Sky Sports, expects the 25-year old to be a Liverpool player by the end of this week.

Chelsea and Manchester City have also shown an interest in the centre-half.