Le Tissier accuses Liverpool of ‘lacking class’ over Van Dijk bid

Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has blasted Liverpool for their pursuit of defender Virgil Van Dijk, accusing the Merseyside club of lacking class in their transfer negotiations.

The Dutch defender has racked up a number of Premier League suitors following a string of fine displays on the South Coast.

Liverpool were said to be leading the race to land the 25-year-old’s signature but the Reds dropped their interest and issued a formal apology on Wednesday after Southampton accused them of illegally approaching their player.

It is now believed Chelsea and Manchester City will battle it out for the defender, with Southampton said to be demanding at least £60million in return for the Dutchman.

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Le Tissier, who made, 540 appearances for the Saints, has joined a number of ex-professionals to condemn the conduct of the Merseyside club.

“Somebody forgot that the way to go about a transfer is to actually make a bid first,” he fumed.

“Where all these stories came from; they just jumped the gun a little bit early and maybe should have held fire until Liverpool had agreed a fee with Southampton –  then maybe they would have got the man.

“I remember the days when Liverpool used to be quite classy in transfer negotiations.

“There have been no bids for Virgil this summer, and until a bid has been accepted, you shouldn’t be talking to the player.”