We know as much already, but Liverpool’s chances of signing Virgil van Dijk are not as dead in the water as our embarrassing statement suggested.
FSG apologised for approaching Southampton’s Dutch centre-back illegally and promised to end the pursuit in the process, but many thought the deal could be revitalised later in the summer.
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This is because the 25-year-old remains Jurgen Klopp’s primary target, and the player himself wants to sign for us.
According to almost identical reports in the Telegraph and Times today, Liverpool could still sign van Dijk, providing the player himself actively seeks an exit…
And although there was a public statement withdrawing interest in Van Dijk and that is still the club’s position, it remains to be seen how the player himself interpreted events and whether the saga of his next move has run its course.
They were forced to publicly withdraw interest in Virgil van Dijk after Southampton accused Liverpool of tapping up the defender, although that episode is unlikely to have run its course with the transfer window not even officially open.
Mo Salah will be announced imminently, meaning Liverpool can focus on the other primary targets.
As well as Van Dijk, Naby Keita is wanted, but Red Bull Leipzig are adamant they won’t sell. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is wanted too, but could be the midfield alternative to Keita.
On top of these names, a left-back is a priority, although we’re not yet sure who Klopp will turn to.