Liverpool will escape punishment for allegedly flouting Premier League rules by tapping up Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, according to the Times.
The newspaper claim that the Merseysiders will “not face any action” after taking the humiliating action of publicly withdrawing their interest in Van Dijk and apologising to their top-flight rivals for their conduct.
The Times report that the Premier League has concluded from a preliminary investigation that “there is insufficient evidence to start disciplinary proceedings” against Liverpool.
Southampton made an official complaint to the Premier League earlier this month when numerous media outlets published at the same time reported that the Holland international, 25, had told his employers he wanted to move to Anfield.
Officials from St Mary’s Stadium suspected that the media had been briefed by Liverpool sources and also claimed to have evidence that manager Jurgen Klopp had privately met with van Dijk.
Southampton have not withdrawn their complaint, but accepted an apology from Liverpool three weeks ago and will not push for them to be charged.
The Premier League will not take any action unless new information becomes available.
The Times report that Premier League lawyers have spoken to both clubs and are satisfied that the correct procedures have been followed.
Liverpool’s pursuit was criticised by many of their supporters after it was leaked that Van Dijk wanted to join the Merseysiders ahead of his other principal suitors Chelsea and Manchester City.
It appears that it is now virtually impossible for Klopp to sign one of his main summer targets, with Southampton said to have hardened their stance that the player will not be sold.
Van Dijk, who is widely regarded as one of the outstanding players in his position in the Premier League, signed a new Saints contract last summer that runs until the summer of 2022.
Liverpool have been active in this summer’s market and last week announced Mohamed Salah as their second summer signing for a club-record fee of £39million following the earlier capture of Dominic Solanke from Chelsea.