Liverpool Reportedly to Avoid Punishment After Virgil van Dijk Tapping-Up Claims

The Premier League has reportedly opted against punishing Liverpool amid allegations they "tapped up" Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk. 

According to David Prentice of the Liverpool Echo, "the Premier League has found insufficient evidence to start disciplinary proceedings" having carried out a "preliminary investigation." 

As noted in the piece, multiple reports had simultaneously emerged suggesting the player was keen on a move to Anfield, prompting a complaint from Saints.

"Southampton have not withdrawn their complaint but accepted an apology from Liverpool three weeks ago and will not push for them to be charged," said Prentice. "The Premier League will not take any action unless new information is made available."

There was a media frenzy after it was reported Van Dijk was keen to make a move to the Merseyside. Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has been disappointed with the way the story has been covered in the press and some of the comments made about the player:

According to Andy Hunter of the Guardian, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp met with Van Dijk in Blackpool to discuss a move, while the pair are also said to have exchanged text messages.

Southampton's complaint was followed by a statement from Liverpool on their official website in which they "put on record our regret over recent media speculation regarding Southampton Football Club and player transfers between the two clubs," per BBC Sport.

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In the bulletin the Reds offered an apology and also said they will not be seeking to sign the player.

John Cross of the Daily Mirror was disappointed that no action would be taken:

The saga has left Van Dijk in a quandary, with Anfield seemingly his preferred destination. However, according to Bleacher Report's Dean Jones, Chelsea may reignite their interest late in the window:

According to Simon Jones of the MailOnline, despite the tension between Liverpool and Southampton, the Reds still remain in the hunt for a player who would cost around £60 million to secure.

While Van Dijk's 2016-17 campaign was brought to a premature end in January due to injury, he has cemented a reputation as one of the Premier League's finest defenders in his two years on the south coast.