Brighton & Hove Albion looked into the possibility of buying Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk for a bargain price at one time, according to former manager Gus Poyet.
However, the Seagulls were unable to match the €3 million (£2.6m/$3.4m) transfer fee that would have been required to seal the Netherlands international's services.
Van Dijk, who began his career with Groningen in his home country before a spell with Celtic brought him to the Premier League with Southampton, has enjoyed a stunning sophomore season with the Reds.
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Having transferred to Anfield from St Mary’s Stadium for a reported fee of £75m ($98m) – a world-record for a defender – in January 2018, the 27-year-old has established himself as one of the best centre-backs across the globe.