Kop quit Van Dijk deal in Saints tap-up row
LIVERPOOL last night dramatically pulled the plug on their £60m bid for Virgil van Dijk and issued a grovelling apology to Southampton. The amazing U-turn came 24 hours after Saints complained to the Premier League about Jurgen Klopp’s pursuit of the Dutch international. It had been thought that Van Dijk (left) had
indicated he wanted to sign for Liverpool this summer – ahead of Chelsea and Manchester City.
Saints said Liverpool had not lodged a bid with them and asked the Premier League to step in.
Liverpool moved to avoid the potential embarrassment of a League probe and apologised to their rivals.
A club statement read: “Liverpool Football Club would like to put on record our regret over recent 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.”
Keen
Klopp had been prepared to make Van Dijk the world’s most expensive defender and the Saints star was understood to be keen on playing for the German coach.
Van Dijk’s most likely destination would now appear to be City.
But City have made it clear they will not pay the £60m Liverpool were prepared to offer.
Klopp has turned his attention to Sporting Lisbon winger Gelson Martins as Liverpool fear being priced out of their No.1 target.
Roma’s former Chelsea star Mohamed Salah remains Klopp’s first choice to add width and pace to his forward line.
Talks between Liverpool and Roma have hit a snag after they appeared close to a deal for the Egyptian at the weekend.
The Italian side are holding out for £40m-plus, with Liverpool’s limit understood to be around the £35m mark.
One bid for Salah, of £28m, failed at the end of last week.