RED FACES!

Embarrassing Kop apology over Van Dijk

LIVERPOOL made a grovelling apology to Southampton yesterday and halted their world record pursuit of Virgil van Dijk.

It had appeared on Monday that Van Dijk was destined for a £60million move to Anfield this summer after indicating he wanted to work with Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool were prepared to make Van Dijk the most expensive defender in history.

Southampton, however, were enraged by the reports and — given they had not received an official bid from Liverpool — wasted no time in contacting the Premier League to investigate an alleged illegal approach.

The Premier League asked Liverpool for their observations on the matter on Tuesday night, with the view to launching an enquiry.

And less than 24 hours later, in a startling development, Liverpool issued a statement to say sorry for their conduct and withdraw their interest in Van Dijk — who is also a target for Chelsea and Manchester City.

Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s owners, are extremely conscious about the club’s image and the perception that they had acted against the rules led them to express their deep regret about the way