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Liverpool have performed a stunning u-turn by dropping their pursuit of Virgil van Dijk and issuing a humiliating apology to Southampton.

The Reds were forced to publish an unprecedented statement saying sorry to the South coast club, after being reported to the FA over an alleged illegal approach for the Dutchman.

And they also confirmed they had "ended any interest in the player" after Southampton made an official complaint the Reds had not made an official bid for the player before apparently speaking to him.

It is understood that the club's American owners personally intervened to direct the shock climb down, amid their concerns that the fall out could damage the club's reputation.

They are determined to protect Liverpool's image of fairness, and follow a policy of respecting other clubs which they put in place when they arrived, and they recognise that image was damaged with the complaint, and other recent 'tapping' controversies.

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The Mirror reported that Van Dijk was thought to have been flown to a meeting in Blackpool to discuss a potential move to Anfield and had regular message contact with manager Jurgen Klopp.

The player is thought to have decided that Liverpool the only club he would sign for after being impressed by Klopp's vision of the future, but his club responded by asking the FA to investigate whether an illegal approach was made.

Last night, the Reds said in an official club 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.

(Image: REUTERS)

“We respect Southampton's position and can confirm we have ended any interest in the player.”

Klopp had been prepared to make van Dijk the most expensive defender in football history by matching Manchester City's initial bid of £60m, but Saints reacted angrily by insisting they would not do business.

It leaves Van Dijk in a quandary because he STILL wants to join the Reds after indicating that is his preferred destination.

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But this latest stunning development could open the door for City to return with a fresh offer and the chance for the player to leave the controversy behind.

If Van Dijk is insistent he will only move to Anfield, then his only hope is that, however unlikely, Liverpool's unprecedented apology persuades Saints to relent, and open talks later in the summer when the drama has abated.

Southampton still fully expect the Premier League to carry out an investigation after they reported Liverpool for the “tapping-up” over van Dijk which could yet result in a heavy fine or more severe punishment.

There is a reluctance from the Premier League to get involved and yet Mirror Sport understands other clubs have offered their support to Southampton and are looking for them to take a strong stance on the matter.

(Image: AFP)

Liverpool apologised privately to Southampton on Wednesday morning after the full extent of the “tapping-up” was revealed and yet the South Coast club insisted that they also make a full public apology.

Southampton have declined to comment publicly but it is understood that privately they have accepted Liverpool’s apology but that does not necessarily mean the end of the matter if the Premier League get involved.

Former Reds great Jamie Carragher has responded to the news with immense frustration.

"FFS! Only person at Liverpool who should apologise is the person who fed the story he wanted to come to LFC when no fee had been agreed," Carragher tweeted.