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Liverpool have 'ended any interest' in Southampton captain Virgil van Dijk - potentially opening the door for Manchester City to re-enter the race.

The 25-year-old is expected to command a world-record transfer fee for a defender if Southampton allow him to leave St Mary's in the summer.

And it seemed the Netherlands international was destined for a move to Anfield before the Saints threatened to report Jurgen Klopp's side to the FA over an alleged illegal approach.

Liverpool have now released a statement confirming a remarkable u-turn.

"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," a club statement read .

"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."

Pep Guardiola ended his interest in van Dijk, believing Southampton's £60m valuation was unrealistic, and it remains to be seen whether he will re-enter the race.

Van Dijk has previous with City, having gleefully posed in a club shirt given to him by his team-mates as part of the club's Secret Santa exchange .

The Southampton skipper only signed a new six-year deal at St Mary's a year ago, having joined the club from Celtic for £13m in 2015.

Van Dijk has not played since January after suffering an ankle injury but is on course to return to action in pre-season.