Liverpool ‘end interest in Virgil van Dijk’ as club statement says sorry to Southampton over tapping-up claims
Saints were unimpressed by Reds' approach for their star Dutch centre-back and were going to report the club to the Premier League
LIVERPOOL were last night forced into an embarrassing climbdown after illegally approaching Virgil van Dijk.
Southampton received an apology from the Reds following claims their £70million-rated star met Jurgen Klopp in secret.
The Saints were unimpressed by the Reds' approach for their Dutch star centre-back and were going to report the club to the Premier League.
Anfield boss Klopp is also alleged to have sent Van Dijk a number of texts.
Furious Saints, who reported the Merseysiders to the Premier League, insist they will not sell Van Dijk and Liverpool say they have now ended their interest in the defender.
A Kop statement said: “Liverpool FC would like to put on record speculation regarding Southampton 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.
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“We respect Southampton’s position and can confirm we have ended any interest in the player.”
Klopp had made Van Dijk, 25, his No 1 target and is said to have met him in Blackpool without the knowledge of Saints, who have seen stars like Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren leave for Anfield.
Van Dijk only signed a new six-year deal last year.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher tweeted: “Soton won’t be bothered LFC spoke to player/agent before them as all clubs do it. But will be with LFC for leaking the story.”
The saga is an embarrassment for Kop chief executive Peter Moore, who has been in the job less than a week, and Southampton-born sporting director Michael Edwards, appointed in November.
Tapping up is when a player or his advisors speak to another club without permission from his own, and is a breach of Premier League regulations.
Liverpool could have faced a transfer embargo or huge fine had Southampton had reported them and been found guilty - but instead they are nipping the whole thing in the bud.
And Liverpool had a similar climbdown with another grovelling apology to Fulham and their then-midfielder Clint Dempsey in 2012.
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Fulham complained after Liverpool’s website announced in Dempsey had signed for the club, while not having done so.
The Cottagers alleged Liverpool’s actions unsettled Dempsey and prompted his deadline-day move to Tottenham that window.
The Holland defender has been out of action since January 22 when he hobbled off in the Saints’ 3-0 win over Leicester after being caught by Jamie Vardy.
Van Dijk, 25, injured ligaments in his foot during the game and has posted a series of videos to his Instagram page showing his recovery sessions, where he appears kicking a ball and running.
And Manchester City and Chelsea are now in poll position to nab the defender, as he is high on their summer wishlists - but the huge price tag may be an issue.