Liverpool, Chelsea target Van Dijk hands in Southampton transfer request

Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk is one step nearer to a south-coast exit, after the Dutchman formally submitted a transfer request Monday.

The decision from the pony-tailed purveyor of aerial duels and timely challenges is certain to alert Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City, with the trio of English Champions League qualifiers reportedly interested in the services of the 26-year-old.

Van Dijk released a statement Monday to confirm the transfer request, saying, "It is with regret that I can confirm that I have today handed in a transfer request to leave Southampton Football Club.

"Unfortunately, I feel I have no alternative, after I was given notice of the club's intention to impose a disciplinary sanction against me of a fine equivalent to two weeks' wages."

Exiled to solo training and excluded from the second half of the Saints' pre-season preparations, Van Dijk's desire is hardly a secret, and with Chelsea now allegedly joining City and Liverpool in its interest, a bidding war for the 12-time capped international could merit a fee similar to the £50 million the Citizens paid Everton for John Stones.

Van Dijk's statement adds that he had been in discussions with Southampton for the last six months "to inform them all of my desire to leave the club in search of a new challenge."

"I want to play European football again and challenge for major honours, and as such I would like Southampton to consider the interest in me from top clubs should it still exist."

The Associated Press' Rob Harris posted Van Dijk's entire statement.