Liverpool face a possible Premier League investigation over their pursuit of Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk has intimated that he would prefer to join the Reds this summer despite interest from Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton in the defender.
But the player’s move to Anfield could be overshadowed after Southampton asked the Premier League to investigate whether an illegal approach had been made.
Reports from the South Coast claim that the Saints believe Liverpool sounded out Van Dijk before attempting to open dialogue with his current club’s hierarchy.
Southampton insist that no official approach has been made for the Holland international, who has five years remaining on his current St Mary’s contract.
Should Liverpool win the race for Van Dijk, the 25-year-old is likely to become the most expensive defender in football with a deal in the region of £60 million.
In April, the Premier League banned Liverpool from signing youth players for two years after they were found guilt of tapping up a schoolboy from Stoke City.