Liverpool director Mike Gordon was key to this week's £75m deal with Southampton for Virgil van Dijk.

Gordon was able to smooth tension between the two clubs after Saints had accused Liverpool of tapping up the Dutchman last summer.

The Times says Gordon had a significant role in laying the groundwork for the club record deal.

The report says Gordon built bridges with Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger after the apology in the summer.

Liverpool then made it clear they would still want to sign Van Dijk if Southampton's stance changed.

And when Van Dijk's performances dipped and he was left out of the team, Southampton became open to selling and Liverpool made their move.