Daily Echo:

LIVERPOOL have avoided punishment by the Premier League for their 'illegal approach' of Virgil van Dijk.

Saints reported the Reds to the league after numerous press reports suggested that Van Dijk was ready to move to Anfield.

No contact had been made by Liverpool to Saints, however, with no bid on the table for the Dutchman.

And, subsequently, Saints, who were seething at the raft of stories linking their player with an exit, went to the Premier League to report Jurgen Klopp's side for what they felt amounted to an 'illegal approach'.

Liverpool were forced into a humiliating climb down and, in a statement shortly after Saints took these measures, the Merseysiders apologised and withdrew all interest in the central defender.

Saints were delighted with this outcome and accepted Liverpool's apology.

But despite the club being satisfied the matter was closed, the Premier League have to continue the process of investigating the complaint.

And the result of a preliminary investigation will mean Liverpool won't face any action.

It is understood unless new information comes to light there will not be any more progress with the inquiry, effectively allowing Liverpool to avoid a sanction.