Manchester United never were serious about competing for the signing of Virgil van Dijk, it has been revealed.

Reports have emerged claiming Jose Mourinho passed up the chance to chase the Dutch defender during his time in charge at Old Trafford despite Van Dijk being flagged up to him.

The Mirror says United had always seen the Holland international as being destined to leave Southampton for Liverpool .

Instead the Red Devils were keen to land either Napoli's Senegalese centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly or Tottenham's Belgian international Toby Alderweireld.

After opting for neither, United then followed up on a recommendation from then-boss Mourinho to go for Harry Maguire this summer.