By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 08/06/17 2:54pm
Southampton are happy with Liverpool’s apology over their attempts to sign Virgil van Dijk and consider the matter closed, Sky Sports News HQ understands.
Representatives from both clubs are meeting face-to-face on Thursday afternoon at a scheduled Premier League board meeting in Harrogate and Sky Sports News HQ understands Liverpool’s very public climb-down means Southampton consider the dispute at an end.
Liverpool confirmed on Wednesday that they had ended their interest in signing Van Dijk and apologised to Southampton for their conduct in the pursuit of the Netherlands defender.
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Prior to the apology, Southampton had reported Liverpool to the Premier League and asked them to investigate an alleged illegal approach.
The Premier League subsequently confirmed it was looking into the matter, but Sky sources understand that, as far as the league is concerned, the apology is the end of the matter and they are unlikely to take any further action.
Liverpool, whose manager Jurgen Klopp has been taking a central role in summer recruitment, said on Wednesday: “Liverpool 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.”
Van Dijk has also attracted significant interest from Premier League champions Chelsea and Manchester City.
Southampton manager Claude Puel and the club’s chairman Ralph Krueger have previously insisted Van Dijk will not be allowed to leave St Mary’s in the summer.
The 25-year-old was rewarded with a new six-year contract in May 2016 and was named Saints captain following the departure of Jose Fonte to West Ham in January.
Van Dijk, who joined Southampton from Celtic in September 2015, made 30 appearances last season before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in the 3-0 win over Leicester on January 22.
