Southampton are set to lose more players when the transfer window re-opens or at the end of the season as interests in two defenders soar.
The Saints could lose Virgil van Dijk and Jose Fonte to Liverpool and Manchester United respectively. The central defensive pairing have been impressive this term but with top clubs keen on landing the players, Southampton might have a situation on their hands in keeping the players for much longer.
Talks with Euro 2016 winner, Fonte has stalled despite reports that the player’s rep and the club started discussions about a new deal since August. The current deal is set to lapse in 2018, meaning the player has to sign a new one soon else the club would be forced to get the best of the situation by trading him. The Red Devils approached the south coast side for a deal regarding the 32-year old during the summer but coach Claude Puel – who took over after former boss Ronald Koeman moved to Everton – refused to sanction the deal with the transfer deadline close.
Dutchman Van Dijk has seen his valuation rise after his impressive display this season for Southampton. Everton are queuing for the player but Liverpool will easily shove them out in the race for his signature. There are reports that the Reds are set for a double swoop of Van Dijk and Sam McQueen in January as Jurgen Klopp wants to reinforce the defence. The former Dortmund manager wants the 25-year old to join the defensive options even though there have been an improvement of recent.
Van Dijk signed a new deal earlier this year that would tie him down for six years but Klopp remains resolute that he would be able to lure the player from Saint Mary’s. Puel himself is keen on Spurs’ Kevin Wimmer who is playing second fiddle to the duo of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.