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Southampton are ready to go to war with Liverpool as they believe Virgil van Dijk has been “tapped up” about a record breaking move to Anfield.

And Mirrorsport can reveal the extent of the contact Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp has enjoyed with his No 1 defensive target.

The Dutch international was flown to Blackpool for a meeting with Klopp, as Liverpool tried to persuade him his future should be at the club.

And after their unauthorised meeting Klopp then messaged him regularly.

The South Coast club are now digging their heels in and insisting they will not sell the Dutch defender this summer, even for £60m and are preparing to report Liverpool to the Premier League.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters) (Image: Andrew Powell)

Liverpool believe they are in pole position even though it is understood that Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal have all expressed an interest.

There is a belief van Dijk met with all the clubs and it was Liverpool and Arsenal who offered the best package.

But sources suggest the 25-year-old has now indicated he wants to move to Anfield because of Klopp.

That would be a major coup for the Liverpool boss but it has infuriated Southampton who have a long track record of selling players to Liverpool.

Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Sadio Mane and Nathaniel Clyne have all gone to Anfield from St Mary’s.

However, Liverpool’s latest move may end up backfiring as Southampton now insist van Dijk will not be sold and look to be ready to make it a point of principle.

If Southampton can prove that an illegal approach was made then it goes against Premier League rules and could end up in a huge fine and potential ban.

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The Premier League rule book clearly states: “A contract player, either by himself or by any person on his behalf, shall not either directly or indirectly make any such approach as is referred to in Rule T.5 without having obtained the prior written consent of his Club.”

The most high profile case in the Premier League era was when Chelsea were hit with a record fine after it was proved they held an illegal meeting with Ashley Cole while he was still an Arsenal player.

Chelsea were given a £300,000 fine and suspended three points deduction.

Southampton confirmed they have asked the Premier League to investigate and Mirror has contacted Liverpool for comment.

A Premier League spokesman said: “Southampton have raised some concerns and we are in turn raising them with Liverpool."