Reds are ‘so sorry’
FROM BACK PAGE allegedly speaking to him.
Liverpool’s American owners intervened to oversee the climbdown amid concerns that the fall-out could damage the club’s reputation.
The Mirror suggested that Van Dijk flew to a meeting in Blackpool to discuss a move to Anfield and had regular contact with Kop boss Jurgen Klopp.
Van Dijk is believed to have been impressed by Klopp’s vision but the Saints responded by asking the FA to investigate whether an illegal approach had been made.
Klopp had been prepared to make Van Dijk the most expensive defender in football history by matching Manchester City’s initial bid of £60m.
But Southampton could actually be worse off following Liverpool’s withdrawal because it paves the way for City boss Pep Guardiola to return with a smaller offer without fear of being dragged into a bidding war.
Southampton still fully expect the Premier League to carry out a full investigation after they reported Liverpool for tapping up the big Dutchman – and that could result in a heavy fine or more severe punishment.