Liverpool apologise to Southampton over Virgil van Dijk speculation

Posted Thursday, June 08, 2017 by Dailystar.co.uk

Liverpool apologise to Southampton over Virgil van Dijk speculation
Liverpool have apologised to Southampton for the speculation surrounding Virgil van Dijk

Van Dijk has been tipped to leave the Saints this summer and is understood to want a move to Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp had made the 25-year-old his top target and the chance to work with the German had played a significant role in the player's decision to snub his other potential suitors.

But the south coast club have not received any formal contact from the Reds regarding their Dutch defender.

Southampton are understood to have asked the Premier League yesterday to investigate an alleged illegal approach from Klopp and co.

And now Liverpool have announced the end of their pursuit in a shock turn of events.

In a statement, the Reds said: "Liverpool Football Club would like to put on record our regret over recent media speculation regarding Southampton Football Club and player transfers between the two clubs.

"We apologise to the owner, board of directors and fans of Southampton for any misunderstanding regarding Virgil van Dijk.

"We respect Southampton's position and can confirm we have ended any interest in the player."

Southampton did not wish to comment on the statement that followed high-level talks earlier today.

Liverpool apologise to Southampton over Virgil van Dijk speculation
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have ended their interest in Virgil van Dijk

It is understood those discussions were the first time the clubs had spoken this summer, having not talked about Van Dijk before then.

The apology is likely to be the end of the matter in terms of a Premier League investigation into the approach for a player who still has five years remaining on his deal at St Mary's.

The Reds had been willing to pay £50m for Van Dijk - a world-record fee for a defender.

The ex-Celtic star has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in recent weeks.