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Liverpool news: How Southampton caused Man City chiefs to walk away from Virgil van Dijk
MANCHESTER CITY’s chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak candidly revealed how he wasn’t prepared to stump up a huge fee for Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool is my team and Anfield is my home
After losing John Stones to injury last season, Manchester City went hunting for defensive reinforcements and at one point, were exploring a deal for Van Dijk, who at the time, was playing Southampton.
In the end, Liverpool went the extra mile and stumped up £75million to secure the services of the Dutchman.
Amazon have produced a documentary on City’s title-winning season entitled All or Nothing which is released today.
During the documentary, Al-Mubarak is filmed walking around the training ground and is seen talking to City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain about their pursuit of the defender.
During discussions over a move for Van Dijk, Al-Mubarak said: “Come on, you cannot be serious.
“Ultimately, if it makes sense for us we will do it.
“If it doesn't make sense, we are perfectly comfortable in walking away.
“To do that, there's only a few clubs in the world that can do that.”
Virgil van Dijk praised following Liverpool's West Ham victory
To do that, there's only a few clubs in the world that can do that
After their failed approach for Van Dijk, City broke the bank to sign Aymeric Laporte for £57million which was a club-record before they spent £60m on Riyad Mahrez.
Meanwhile, City could be without Kevin De Bruyne for up to two months.
The Belgium international picked up a knee injury during training earlier this week.
Although De Bruyne’s absence will be a blow, Pep Guardiola believes City are continually getting stronger.
Speaking after his side’s 2-0 win over Arsenal last Sunday, he said: “We have a lot of players with a lack of condition but we are more than two seasons together and know what to do.
"We made a good performance in general and day by day we will get better and better.
"I am privileged to be manager of Manchester City.
“They have given me a fantastic squad. I cannot complain for one minute."
City host Huddersfield next on Sunday (1.30pm).