Virigl van Dijk was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool (Picture: Getty)

Southampton star Virgil van Dijk put in a miserable performance on his long-awaited return after failing to secure a summer move to Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp was desperate to bring Van Dijk to Anfield ahead of the 2017/18 campaign but the Merseyside outfit were forced to issue an official apology after making an illegal approach for the Netherlands defender.

It’s understood both Manchester City and Chelsea were also interested in landing Van Dijk, with the centre-back handing in a transfer request and making it clear he wanted a move before the end of the window.

However, Southampton managed to keep hold of the Dutchman, who has been out injured since January, and he made his comeback for the Under-23 side on Monday evening.

As expected for somebody returning after months out, Van Dijk looked a long way from his best but the defender’s lackluster display suggested his mind may be on other things.

The Saints were thrashed 4-0 away as Aston Villa and Van Dijk arguably could have done better for three of the goals his side conceded on a dismal night for the away team.

With Southampton struggling down in 13th after four games in the Premier League, Mauricio Pellegrino will be hoping Van Dijk improves rapidly after his return to action.

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