(Updates with details, quotes)Dec 27 (Reuters) - Liverpool have agreed to sign Netherlands international Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for a reported world record fee for a defender, the Premier League clubs announced on Wednesday. Van Dijk, who has never hidden his admiration for Liverpool, said in a statement he was "delighted and honoured" to sign. It ends a long chase for the side currently lying fourth in the Premier League. Liverpool had originally been ready to pay about £60 million in the summer for Van Dijk when it became clear he wanted to join them. Van Dijk had signed a new six-year contract with Southampton last year, having joined from Celtic for £13 million in September 2015.

Source: Economic Times December 27, 2017 19:18 UTC