Transfer Centre

Claude Puel: 'Southampton do not need to sell Virgil van Dijk'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 23 December 2016

Southampton manager Claude Puel insists that the club are in no rush to sell defender Virgil van Dijk despite reports of a £50m bid from Manchester City.

Southampton manager Claude Puel has insisted that the club are in no rush to sell in-demand defender Virgil van Dijk.

A number of the Premier League's top clubs are thought to be interested in the centre-back, with Manchester City rumoured to be lining up a £50m move in January.

The Saints paid just £13m for the Dutchman a little over a year ago, but Puel pointed out that the defender's asking price is unlikely to fall given he signed a new six-year deal in May.

"I think, for example, for Virgil the price will be the same in two or three years," he told reporters.

"He can stay for two or three years with us. He's an important player for the team. Also, along with Jose Fonte and Steven Davis, he is a captain of the team. He has a good personality, strong character, quality, and of course he will stay with us."

Manchester United and Liverpool are also thought to be monitoring the situation, although they are not expected to match City's reported bid.