Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk deemed “too slow” for Crystal Palace

Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock has revealed that he was denied the chance to sign Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk back in 2014.

The 69-year-old was managing Crystal Palace at the time and was aiming to bring the Dutchman to Selhurst Park for around £6million.

But, speaking before his current side’s trip to Anfield on Saturday, the experienced Bluebirds manager said he was blocked in completing the deal.

“We could have bought him at Palace for £6 million but my chief scout told me he was too slow,” he said. “I think he’s still in a job as well!”

Warnock was blocked in his attempts to bring Virgil van Dijk to Crystal Palace.

The Netherlands international ended up moving to Southampton for £13million in 2015 before becoming the most expensive defender in history when he moved to the Merseyside club for £75million in January this year.

Van Dijk has been a revelation so far for Jurgen Klopp’s side, helping the Reds reach the Champions League final and starting this Premier League campaign unbeaten.

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