Report: Liverpool unlikely to face punishment over Van Dijk approach

The Premier League is not expected to take action against Liverpool following an alleged illegal approach to sign Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool was reportedly on the verge of signing the in-demand defender before Southampton launched a formal complaint to the league, detailing the Merseyside club's wrongful approach. A day later, Liverpool issued a public apology and confirmed it was no longer interested in Van Dijk.

A preliminary investigation by the league concluded there was insufficient evidence to launch a formal inquiry into Liverpool's illegal advance for Van Dijk, according to Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph.

Although the Premier League has yet to release a public statement, Reuters reports that the situation is not expected to change unless new information or evidence emerges.

It's believed that Liverpool engaged in negotiations with the 25-year-old - who Southampton insisted would not be sold this summer after signing him to a new six-year contract last year - without the south coast team's permission.

Southampton is thought to have only been made aware of the approach through media reports, which claimed Liverpool won the race to sign Van Dijk after reaching an agreement to pay the Saints £60 million. The Reds had also reportedly offered Van Dijk a weekly salary worth £200,000.

Rules state clubs may only approach a player who is out of contract or once a transfer fee has been agreed upon by two teams.

The most notable case of tapping up a player occurred when Chelsea was found guilty of meeting with Ashley Cole despite the full-back's association with Arsenal. The Blues were found guilty and received a six-figure fine, as well as a suspended points deduction.