Liverpool have apologised to Southampton for their pursuit of Virgil van Dijk and ended their interest in the player.
Yesterday, BBC Radio Solent reported that Southampton intended to report Liverpool to the Premier League due to their 'illegal' approach for the Dutch defender. Liverpool are already serving a two-year ban from signing academy players from other English clubs, and any wrongdoings would have landed them in further hot water.
Van Dijk was understood to favour a move to Liverpool over rival clubs due to Jurgen Klopp's personal efforts to secure his services, but Southampton clearly didn't take kindly to his or Liverpool's endeavours.
In a club statement released this evening, Liverpool have made a formal apology to the south coast club, and confirmed they will not be signing the player.
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.
More to follow.
