Barcelona ramp up Virgil van Dijk interest after scouting Southampton defender on Holland duty
Dutchman tried to orchestrate a move to Anfield in the summer but stayed on the South coast with a number of teams after his signature
LIVERPOOL face competition from Barcelona for Southampton ace Virgi van Dijk, according to reports.
The Dutchman stayed on the South Coast despite pushing for a move in the summer but admitted he could leave in January.
And the are reporting that La Liga giants Barca are now also interested in the former Celtic star.
According to the report, Barca scouts were in attendance to watch Van Dijk, 26, in the international clash between Holland and Sweden.
And Saints would rather sell their star defender abroad than let another of their players move to Anfield.
Manchester City are also reportedly interested in Van Dijk and have been asked to be kept informed of his situation.
Van Dijk has only just returned to favour at St Mary's after he tried to force through a move to Liverpool in the summer.
The Reds were forced to apologize for their approach of Van Dijk.
The centre-back was left training with the youth team after refusing to play for the club in an effort to secure a transfer to Anfield.
Speaking to Fox Sports, Van Dijk said: "I have now regrets.
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"Halfway through the season, maybe we can see what is possible.
"I'm glad I'm fit again and I can give up to 100 per cent.
"Of course I wanted to make a step up but Southampton did not want to sell me.
"But you're a professional, so now I'll give everything to the club."
