Southampton have reported Liverpool to the Premier League over an illegal approach for defender Virgil van Dijk, British media reported yesterday.

The development is the latest twist in a transfer saga involving the sought-after centre-back who has been linked with a £60 million ($77.42 million) move away from St Mary’s.

Although the 25-year-old has not commented publicly on his situation, multiple British media reports yesterday said he had told Liverpool he wanted to join them ahead of rival suitors Chelsea and Manchester City, even though Southampton deny receiving any approach from the Reds.

Neither club would comment yesterday. However, a person familiar with the situation said the Saints were unhappy with the media reports and, following a meeting of the club’s hierarchy, asked the Premier League to investigate whether any rules had been broken.

Strict rules govern transfers, with clubs able to negotiate terms with players only if they are out of contract or once a fee has been agreed with the seller. The laws also govern indirect approaches via an intermediary. Southampton have consistently said they do not intend to sell Van Dijk, who joined from Celtic for £13 million in September 2015 and signed a new six-year contract in 2016.

The new deal was a reward for a series of impressive performances at the heart of Saints’ defence although he has not played since January after sustaining ankle ligament damage.

The Dutchman has made a full recovery and, should he move north, would join Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Sadio Mane and Nathaniel Clyne, who have joined Liverpool from Southampton in deals totalling more than £100 million in the past three years.