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Southampton hopeful Virgil van Dijk will accept he is staying put: Liverpool yet to move
SOUTHAMPTON are growing optimistic Virgil van Dijk will not leave for Liverpool and accept he will stay for another season.
Steve Nicol says Liverpool could still pursue Virgil van Dijk
The centre-half is yet to return to first-team training this summer due to his ongoing transfer saga.
Liverpool have pursued the £60million-rated defender, but the Saints have been adamant they do not wish to sell.
Van Dijk told manager Mauricio Pellegrino he wanted to leave, leading to the captain being banished to train alone.
The manager has been preparing for the new campaign with the plan to partner Maya Yoshida and Jack Stephens at the start.
However, The Daily Echo claim Southampton are hopeful Van Dijk will re-join the squad in full training this week.
Liverpool target Virgil van Dijk could return to full first-team training with Southampton this week
Liverpool have not made a move since their public apology last month
It is said the club feel the Dutchman may have come to the realisation he will have to prepare to carry on playing at St Mary's.
Pellegrino will apparently speak to Van Dijk this week in the hope of positive talks which will see him reintegrated with the team.
The Daily Echo add Liverpool have not made a move since their public apology last month over their alleged illegal approach.
And no offer from Jurgen Klopp's side is forthcoming either, which means the 25-year-old is set to face the battle of rebuilding his reputation at Southampton.
Mauricio Pellegrino is set to speak with Virgil van Dijk again soon about his Southampton future
While Van Dijk's team-mates are likely to be more forgiving, fans will need more convincing if he stays that the defender is committed to the cause.
Southampton have two more pre-season friendlies to come, both at home, against Augsburg on Wednesday and Sevilla on Saturday.
Van Dijk could potentially feature in either match if talks with Pellegrino go well.
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