Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have been given a major boost in their attempt to sign Southampton's Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool have officially apologised to the Saints for the way they handled the transfer situation, confirming that they have ended interest in the defender.
A number of top Premier League clubs are interested in the 25-year-old centre-back who is expected to leave the St Mary's Stadium this summer.
"Liverpool Football Club would like to put on record our regret over recent media speculation regarding Southampton Football Club and player transfers between the two clubs," an official statement on Liverpool's website reads.
"We apologise to the owner, board of directors and fans of Southampton for any misunderstanding regarding Virgil van Dijk.
"We respect Southampton's position and can confirm we have ended any interest in the player."
