Rumour reel: Liverpool still interested in van Dijk

Klopp backed to sign in-demand defender

Liverpool were warned off Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, and say they have now ended their interest, but our traders don’t believe a word of it. We check in on the latest summer transfer stories, and how the betting is shaping up.

Reds favourites for Saints star

Liverpool were keen on signing Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, but instead of making a bid, they had to submit an apology to his current employers after being accused by Southampton of making an illegal approach for the player. Bosses at Anfield did the right thing, telling fans their interest in the 25-year-old centre back was now over, but they remain favourites to sign him with Coral.

Our football guys have Liverpool as short as 5/4 to be van Dijk’s next club, while Man City lead the chasing pack at 2/1, Chelsea at 9/2. It’s now obvious that any rival wanting to tempt the star must go through the proper channels, and pay a hefty fee too, with £70m being thrown around by the press.

Mahrez keeps his options open

Another thought to be moving clubs this summer is Leicester playmaker Riyad Mahrez. We told you earlier this week that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was keen on employing the 26-year-old Algerian, but he’s not the only one with an interest. Barcelona are said to be keeping an eye on the situation, and it’s no surprise Mahrez told reporters that the Camp Nou would be his preferred destination.