Could Liverpool really be charged over an approach for Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk?

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Following increased speculation over the future of Southampton centre-half Virgil van Dijk, the Saints are set to report Liverpool to the Premier League to investigate if an illegal approach has been made.

Recently, the Telegraph have claimed that Van Dijk “wants a move to Anfield” and that the Merseyside club are prepared to make him the world’s most expensive defender.

However, Southampton, who have become all too familiar with the poaching of their star players, are adamant that no official bid has been received and want the footballing authorities to ensure there are no underhand tactics involved.

One of Southampton’s local newspapers, the Daily Echo, states that club bosses have been infuriated by recent reports. The article continues to explain that they believe the reoccurring suggestion – that Van Dijk wishes to join Liverpool in part due to Jurgen Klopp’s involvement in recruitment – constitutes an illegal approach.

The South-Coast club have previous with such threats and complaints, having won a similar case against Arsenal regarding the then completed transfer of Calum Chambers. In that dispute, which was settled a year after the Englishman joined the Gunners, Arsenal were fined £60,000, whilst agent Alan Middleton had to pay £30,000 and received a three-month suspension.

On another occasion, the Saints were aggrieved having been denied the opportunity to permanently sign Toby Alderweireld following a loan spell.

Terms of the temporary deal stipulated that the Southampton would have the first refusal on the player and could purchase him for £6.8m. The price had been set by a clause which Atletico Madrid (his parent club at the time) could buy their way out of for a £1.5m. Following interest from Tottenham Hotspur, they understandably did so, but the Saints argued that they had missed the deadline.

Regarding the current complaint aimed at Liverpool, the Liverpool Echo has suggested that it “may simply be a way of restoring some strength to their bargaining position”, an understandable belief considering the likely size of fees involved.

Last month Southampton’s chairman reiterated the club’s stability and desire to keep hold of their best players. In an interview with the Telegraph, Ralph Krueger said the club were entering their first summer where no players had to be sold.

Considering this steadfast attitude which has been emphasised by the board, their frustrations are no surprise. Van Dijk’s current contract runs until 2022, meaning the Saints hold all the cards if any negotiations are to take place, guaranteeing a huge fee if they sell.

Back in 2005, then record fines were handed to Chelsea, Jose Mourinho and Ashley Cole over his transfer from Arsenal. The club were charged £300,000, whilst Mourinho and Cole had to pay £200,000 and £100,000 respectively, there was also a suspended three-point deduction – as explained in a BBC report at the time.

It is yet unknown if the Premier League will investigate Liverpool, as the Saints have requested, and of course, they may well be cleared of any wrongdoing.

Either way, it is unlikely that Klopp will be deterred in his chase of the highly rated defender, as he prepares his side for a return to the Champions League and pushes them closer towards a title challenge.

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