Southampton upset by Reds' cash splash for Saint Virgil

LONDON - Dutch international defender Virgil van Dijk could become the world's most expensive defender and join Liverpool from English Premier League rival Southampton, according to British media reports.

The 25-year-old - who joined Southampton in 2015 after impressing at Scottish champion Celtic - would cost around $77 million, according to the reports.

However, BBC Radio Solent, a local Southampton station, and other media outlets reported later on Tuesday the Saints were unhappy and had asked the Premier League to probe whether there had been an illegal approach by Liverpool.