According to the Daily Star, Liverpool ruined their chances of signing wantaway Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk in July after the south coast club found out the Reds got in contact with him behind their back.
The Saints eventually accused Liverpool of tapping up the Dutch star, leading to a collapse in a £50million deal that could have been wrapped up.
Van Dijk has since handed in a transfer request, but it’s believed Anfield is the last place he would be allowed to go, with Southampton no longer willing to do business with the Merseysiders.
Liverpool are hoping a deal for the Netherlands international can still be gotten over the line, though.
However, it’s believed they would have to part with £70million if a deal is ever to be completed.
Chelsea are also interested in the 26-year-old, and they have got an upper hand due to a break down in relationship between the 2 sides.
The Reds are yet to sign another defender, but it’s believed they have a backup plan should getting Van Dijk become impossible.
Liverpool played a 3-3 draw in their Premier Opener against Watford, but ran out 1-nil winners over Crystal Palace on matchday 2.
Manager Jurgen Klopp is keen on landing a quality centre-back before transfer deadline, but it remains to be seen if that would be Virgil van Dijk or someone else.
