Liverpool’s bid to sign Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk has received a major boost after Mauricio Pellegrino’s latest admission. The Saint’s manager admitted that he had no control over the transfer market that opens next month, even though he has his own opinion on the sale of players. Van Dijk has attracted the interest of some of Europe’s top sides following his impressive display last season, however Liverpool are his preferred club and the Reds did try to sign him last summer. Liverpool had prepared to offer the Saints up to £50 million for the Dutch, but their illegal tapping of the defender angered the Saints who blocked his move. Liverpool subsequently tendered a public apology which was accepted by Southampton and it appears the Reds are free to move for him again. The centre back was dropped for Southampton’s last game against Chelsea, making many people to believe that Pellegrino was already preparing for life without his best defender. However, the former Liverpool defender claims he was only being rested because of the festive season fixture congestion. Van Dijk is still interested in leaving, but his new six years deal his signed just last season, means Southampton have the upper hand in whether he moves or not. Liverpool face competition with Chelsea and Manchester City for the defender’s signature.