Liverpool Officially End Virgil Van Dijk Interest
Reuters / Paul Childs
Liverpool football club look set to miss out on top transfer target Virgil van Dijk, after they released an official statement confirming that they are withdrawing their interest in the player for this summer.
The Reds have had one of the shakiest defences in the league in the last couple of seasons, and it was evident even under Jurgen Klopp, despite their 4th place finish in the points table.
They are desperate for a top class central defender who can partner Joel Matip next season, and have been extensively linked with a move for Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk.
The former Celtic man joined the Saints back in 2015, and has soon grown into one of the best defenders in the league. His rise has seen him grow into the first choice transfer target for Klopp, who was even reported to be ready to pay £60m for his services.
And most Liverpool fans thought that the deal was done, after reports suggested that Van Dijk preferred a move to the Anfield outfit this summer.
But not everything has gone right for the Reds, as they have now had to withdraw their interest. Reports reveal that Klopp may have spoken in person with Van Dijk over the last three months to make sure that he chooses Liverpool, and this has angered Southampton, who were prepared to take it to the FA.
Southampton were ready to report Liverpool for tapping up their player before approaching the club, and the Merseysiders were pushed into withdrawing their interest in the player.
Liverpool released the following statement on their official website: “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.”
If it is proven that Klopp did meet Van Dijk outside the club, Liverpool will be investigated under the breach of the rule of transfers of a player by the FA.
Written by Aakarsh Bommakanti 
A scholar in Cricket, an amateur in Football, a fanatic of both. Striving to learn by the day and writing to get closer to his first love, Liverpool Football Club. Work also featured by the4thofficial, Soccersouls, Sportswiki, Faceoffootball, Rousing the Kop.