The former Celtic defender has been a revelation for the Saints, and has been routinely linked with a move to Liverpool.
Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger (L) and Southampton owner Katharina Liebherr watch from the stands
Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger believes that the club is in such a strong negotiating position in regards to star defender Virgil van Dijk, that they could reject an offer of £60m, as reports Sky Sports.
The 25-year-old has excelled in the Premier League for the Saints since making the move south of the border from Celtic in 2015, and has caught the attention of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City, according to the Metro.
Despite the levels of high interest from clubs that routinely challenge for honours, Southampton are holding firm regarding van Dijk, and dropped their biggest indication yet that they will not be rolled over easily, with a potential buying club having to fork out a lot of money for the defender’s services.
Saints chairman Ralph Krueger explained that given the fact that van Dijk only signed a new six-year deal last season, the club are in a position to turn down mega offers, and also stated that for the first time since he arrived at the club in February 2014, the club doesn’t have to sell anyone on their books.
Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk heads clear
“Can we? Yes. We do not need to sell anybody,” Krueger said when asked whether the club could turn down a £60m offer for van Dijk, as reports Sky Sports. “Here we sit in the summer of ’17 and we now have 18 top, or above average, Premier League players under three or more year contracts.
“We actually have 12 players that have more than four years, so 49 months, left on their contract and even a couple with 61 months. So 18 players having more than three years, gives us control over the summer for the first time.
“We will decide if anybody goes and we will decide who comes in, in the best interests of the club. We do not need to sell any player for the first time since I’ve been here. I can make that statement and – unless football decides it’s in the best interests – we don’t need to do that.”
Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring their first goal
Recently, Southampton have become a bit of a feeder club for Liverpool, with key players Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren and Saido Mane all departing St Mary’s Stadium for Anfield, while the Saints also sold Vincent Wanyama to Tottenham Hotspur last summer.
Whether or not Krueger can stick to his word remains to be seen, but for now, Southampton have an excellent chance of finishing their Premier League campaign in eighth position, and would all but guarantee it with a victory over Manchester United in their next fixture.
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