Just days after we thought Virgil van Dijk's record breaking move to Liverpool was on the verge of completion, it now looks the deal is officially off.
Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol has just revealed that the club have ended their interest in Van Dijk and apologise to the 'owner, directors and fans' of Southampton Football Club for any misunderstanding regarding the transfer.
In the last few minutes, it has also been reported that the Premier League will not be taking any action against Liverpool.
The news comes as a big shock after it was reported that Van Dijk was close to signing for Liverpool this week.
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However, yesterday The Press Association broke the news that the Premier League have been asked to investigate the transfer, only a day after it was revealed that Anfield was the Saints' defender's preferred destination this summer
Van Dijk had even informed Southampton that he wished to leave in order to work under manager Jurgen Klopp.
BBC Radio Solent also reported that Southampton officials were furious that Liverpool had apparently made contact with one of their players without requesting permission to do so, first.
Credit: PA
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According to Premier League rules, "a club intending to conclude a contract with a progessional must inform the player's current club in writing before entering into negotiations with him.
"A professional shall only be free to conclude a contract with another club if his contract with his present club has expired or is due to expire within six months. Any breach of this provision shall be subject to appropriate sanctions."
Well, it now looks like the deal is off, anyway.
Credit: PA
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Have Liverpool made a big mistake here? Or are Jurgen Klopp's side better off without Van Dijk?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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