Oh, Virgil.

Whatever went wrong?

Prior to the 7th June, the 26-year-old looked almost certain to sign for the Reds, we wanted him, he wanted us, it was a match made in heaven.

Vigil puts in a strong tackle on Arsenal’s Lucas Perez

That was until the Dutchman’s club, Southampton, filed a report to the Premier League accusing Liverpool of ‘Tapping Up’ the big Centre-Back. Although they ruled that Southampton didn’t have enough ground to force the Premier League to take action, Liverpool Football Club released an official club statement confirming that we have ended any interest in the player.

However, last night news emerged that the 6″4′ Defender has told the Saints that Liverpool is the only club he wants to join this summer. Van Dijk, who has been recovering from ligament damage in his foot, remains on the south coast for now, but could still leave the club this summer in a £50m+ move with the club unlikely to want to lose out on a huge sale for the centre-half.

The Reds are expected to tread very carefully when approaching the St. Maries hierarchy this time around, with first contact likely to be with the Saint’s this time rather than the player or his agent.

The Dutchman finds himself in somewhat limbo and is said to be contemplating handing in a transfer request to try and force through a move. Will Van-Dijk be a Liverpool player by 1st September? It may be too early to say, but after last time it’s important to get a deal that works for all three parties.

✏ Sam Booker