SOUTHAMPTON expect the Premier League to launch a full inquest into Liverpool’s illegal move for Virgil van Dijk — and so they should.

The Merseyside club last night apologised to Saints after Jurgen Klopp tried to snare the Dutchman.

Hilariously, Liverpool — who have form for tapping up players — called it “a misunderstanding.”

6 Southampton expect Premier League to launch inquest into Liverpool’s illegal move for van Dijk - and so they should Credit: Getty Images

But angry Kop fans branded the scandal a “shambles”, dubbing their club “embarrassing” and the “laughing stock of world football.”

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Liverpool are already serving a ban on signing players for their academy - that is why this incident should be looked at seriously.

Clubs do illegally approach players. From the Premier League and Championship, down to the Conference and Ryman League. But if a club keeps getting caught they must be punished.

Liverpool admitted “tapping up” a 12-year-old Stoke prospect — and were hit with a two-year ban, with the second 12 months suspended for three years.

6 Virgil Van Dijk has seen his move to the Reds curtailed amid tapping up allegations Credit: Reuters

Klopp’s side were also fined £100,000 and a statement said: “The club accepts the sanction.”

The case involved forbidden inducements offered to a 12-year-old player, who Liverpool accept they spoke to against the rules.

The club also paid for him and some of his family to go to a game at Anfield.

They also offered to pay the player’s school fees, which were already being paid by Stoke. This was a breach of new rules.

6 Van Dijk scored against Liverpool last season in the Premier League Credit: Getty Images

The Reds have previously been accused of tapping up Christian Ziege, Robbie Keane and Clint Dempsey — but Saints have accepted Liverpool’s promise that the Van Dijk matter is now closed and they will not attempt to sign the £70million-rated Dutchman.

Southampton — who sold a host of stars to Liverpool in recent years — including Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane — have support from a host of Premier League clubs to demand Liverpool are punished.

6 Southampton look set to lose Virgil van Dijk in a £60m deal with Liverpool Credit: PA:Press Association

The Premier League, initially reluctant to get involved, are awaiting details from both clubs before deciding on more action.

Premier League rules state a club can only approach a player if they have the written consent of the selling club or if the player is about to become out of contract.

But if the League are happy both Liverpool and Southampton have closed the matter, they are likely to avoid an investigation.

6 Virgil van Dijk would have become the SIXTH Southampton player to join Liverpool in the last three years Credit: Getty Images

If a probe was launched and Liverpool found guilty, a heavy fine would be likely rather than a transfer ban.

The Reds were fined £20,000 over their approach for Middlesbrough’s Ziege in 2000. They had to fend off a similar charge from Spurs in 2008 over a pursuit of Keane.

6 Virgil van Dijk still could have played his last game for Southampton Credit: Rex Features

Liverpool also sent a letter of apology to Fulham after their 2012 Dempsey chase.

The Reds were confident of landing Van Dijk, 25, but it has turned into a nightmare for chief exec Peter Moore — in the job less than a week.

It is worse for sporting director Michael Edwards appointed in November.

He has been caught out — and there will now be doubts over his suitability to the job. Ironically, Edwards was born in Southampton.

Saints insist Van Dijk is not for sale but you would not bet against him joining Manchester City or Chelsea as he clearly wants to leave