Report: Liverpool end pursuit of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool have reportedly opted against making a move for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk in the January transfer window.

The Reds were thought to be considering a swoop for the 25-year-old in order to solve their defensive woes.

However, according to the Daily Mail, the Merseyside outfit will no longer go ahead with a bid in January as manager Jurgen Klopp is expected to have centre-back Joel Matip available in the coming days, while Joe Gomez is closing in on a return from a long-term injury.

Van Dijk, who is believed to have a £25m release clause in his contract at St Mary's, has also been linked to Liverpool's rivals Manchester United and Everton, but Southampton boss Claude Puel has played down the rumours.

The Dutchman joined the Saints from Celtic in a £13m deal during the summer of 2015.