Saints set high price tag to ward off interest in defender

Southampton will set a £60m price tag for star centre-back Virgil van Dijk to ward off interest in the Dutchman, reports the Telegraph. 

The 25-year-old has been on the radar for a number of the Premier League’s top teams, who have been eyeing up Van Dijk as a potential signing when the transfer window opens next month. 

Reports recently suggested that he had a £25m release clause in his contract that would have instigated a transfer scramble for his signature, though the club denied that was the case. 

Van Dijk signed a six-year deal for Saints back in May, with the club anticipating high interest in the defender in the New Year with Manchester City willing to spend £50m to take him to the Etihad Stadium. 

Saints are under no pressure to sell Van Dijk given their sound financial footing, though that is unlikely to deter potential suitors. 

The possible sale of captain Jose Fonte could also prove to be a stumbling block for any sides interested in Van Dijk. 

Fonte is yet to agree terms on a new deal at St. Mary’s and with his current contract expiring in 2018, Saints may look to sell next month rather than risk losing him on a free.

For more stats on Virgil van Dijk, click here to view his WhoScored player page