Reds’ Virgil apology

matters had unfolded. The statement read: ‘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.’

The Premier League have indicated that they will not look any further into the case.

Van Dijk has five years remaining on the contract he signed 11 months ago and Southampton do not need to sell a player who they value highly.

However, none of this will change his desire to one day play for Liverpool manager Klopp, who had made Van Dijk his top target in this transfer window.

He had wanted to sign the defender ahead of Liverpool’s return to the Champions League.

This has been a difficult 48 hours for Liverpool. They have put their interest in AS Roma winger Mohamed Salah on hold and instead contacted Sporting Lisbon about wide player Gelson Martins.

Roma rejected a bid of £28m for Salah last week. Martins’s release clause is £43m.