Liverpool have confirmed they are ending their interest in Virgil van Djik and have apologised to Southampton, according to a statement.

“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," the statement read.

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Various media outlets had reported that the English giants had directly approached the player and his agent, a tactic considered illegal considering they have to seek permission from the player’s club first. 

Reports had been circulating that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had directly called the Dutch centre-back in an effort to persuade him to shift base. 

Considering Liverpool have raided the Saints every summer for their best players ranging from Adam Lallana to Dejan Lovren to Nathaniel Clyne, the club were understandably wary of losing yet another player to the Merseyside club. Southampton had reportedly complained to the Premier League and perhaps because of this reason, the Reds were forced to issue the statement. 

The 25-year-old has impressed in his two seasons with Southampton, emerging as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and had in May 2016, signed a new six-year contract. The Saints are reportedly not going to let him go on the cheap, as Manchester City and Chelsea are interested despite the £50 million price tag van Djik carries.