Bengaluru, September 6: Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk has shockingly been permitted once again into the first team training with the Saints after some controversial transfer drama linking him with a transfer to the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea.

The Dutchman was adamant to not to play for Southampton again but also opted to remain in England refusing to be involved in pre season tour with the Saints for initial preparation. The defender trained alone at Southampton training complex and continued his fitness regime with the club's u-23 side.

It was clear all summer that the defender was determined to go to Liverpool and contacted Jurgen Klopp over a potential move, however, the Southampton board later made a charge against the Merseyside club over an illegal approach.

Later, Liverpool eventually took social media to issue a public apology and suggested they won't be in the contention for the defender.

Van Dijk submitted a transfer request to the Saints board and stated his intention on social media informing everyone about his desire to leave the club.

He said: "I am incredibly ambitious and want to achieve as much as I possibly can to fulfil my potential in what is a very short career as a professional footballer.

"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.

"I have been left frustrated by the club's position that I am not for sale and am disappointed that enquiries from multiple top clubs have been consistently rebuffed."

However, the manager and the Southampton board stood firm on their stance after so much drama and demand did not let the player leave the club this Summer.

And now according to reports, the player has again been welcomed back into the first team squad and the Dutch defender has accepted his fate and ready to commit his future to the Southampton for the time being.

The defender was seen training with the first team squad earlier in the week and could be in contention to take his place back in the Saints starting XI following the international break against Watford in the weekend.