Liverpool abandon efforts to sign Virgil van Dijk apologising to Saints for 'any misunderstanding'

Liverpool have abandoned their hopes of signing Virgil van Dijk and apologised to Southampton for "any misunderstanding" over their interest.

Press Association Sport understands Saints had not received any contact from the Reds regarding their defender, yet the Dutch defender apparently indicated an eagerness to become the latest player to swap St Mary's for Anfield.