The Sunderland star is reportedly wanted by West Bromwich Albion, but Southampton should challenge them for his signature.
Southampton’s Virgil Van Dijk
Saints fans will be dreading another summer transfer window, where once again, some of their best players have been linked with an exit from the club.
One of those star names linked with the St Mary’s exit door is Virgil van Dijk, and despite Liverpool publicly pulling out of the race to sign him, there are still plenty of potential suitors queuing up to take the Dutchman.
With this in mind, Southampton should have a contingency plan in place, in preparation for the event that the former Celtic star does eventually leave the club, and should consider challenging West Brom for Sunderland’s Lamine Kone.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone celebrates
Sky Sports reported yesterday that the Baggies are interested in the 28-year-old centre-back, via their live Transfer Centre feed at 16:48 on Wednesday June 7th.
The Ivory Coast international would be an ideal addition to the Saints squad, irrespective of whether Van Dijk leaves or not.
He cuts an imposing physique, standing at 6ft 1in, with a robust build, and he would add a certain level of authority to Southampton’s back-line.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone
He is quick along the ground as well, and with his experience of playing in the Premier League, he would surely have no problem in making a seamless transition from Wearside to the south coast.
If Van Dijk does leave St Mary’s this summer, Southampton are expected to fetch in excess of £50 million for his services, so they will be heavily armed with cash, and will surely be able to come up with a package that will tempt the Black Cats into selling.
The main problem the Saints will face will be in convincing him to choose them over West Brom, although they are considered to be in a far stronger position than Tony Pulis’ side as far as their ambition is concerned, so they should hold the upper hand in the race.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone in action
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