Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes Virgil van Dijk's move from Southampton fell through only over price.

Murphy, who has the same agents as Van Dijk, insists Liverpool never pulled out of the deal.

He told talkSPORT: “They just wanted more dough because they thought Philippe Coutinho would get Liverpool £140m so Southampton were getting greedy.

“It's like when Liverpool sold Torres for £50m and had to pay £35m for Carroll, when he was worth £15m or £20m.

“That's just the way it is. You can't blame Southampton or Liverpool.

“Liverpool wanted the player full stop and did not withdraw their interest.

“The illegal approach thing is nonsensical. It's a load of rubbish."