da bet7： Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino has suggested that Virgil van Dijk could leave the club in January, reports the Liverpool Echo.
What’s the word?
da betsul： The Dutchman regularly appeared in the transfer gossip columns during the summer, with Liverpool thought to be leading the chase for the centre-back.
The Merseyside outfit publicly withdrew their interest in Van Dijk after being accused of tapping up, but the rumours of a switch to Anfield continued to circle.
The defender tried to force through a move by submitting a transfer request, but in the end, the Saints owners stood firm and refused a sale.
The window reopens next month and a recent report in Don Balon claims that Manchester United look set to join Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona in the hunt for Van Dijk.
Pellegrino has done little to quieten the rumours following his decision to drop the defender from the starting lineup in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the Southampton manager said:
“I can’t control the market, I am not the owner. I have my opinion, I have to give to the technical director and the chairman my opinion, but the club will decide what’s best. I can’t control the market, and I am not the owner of the players, I will recommend to keep our best player here, in the club.”
Where could he go?
If the Premier League’s elite are interested in Van Dijk, then the former Celtic star could have his pick of clubs next month.
Manchester City would be a favourable move from the player’s point of view given that the team are on their way to winning the Premier League title thanks to an 11-point lead.
Vincent Kompany has struggled with a string of injury problems over the years and the defender has once again been struck down.
The Belgian’s absence frees up a spot that Van Dijk could fill and for Southampton, they are likely to receive a tidy sum given that City are never short of cash.
Van Dijk would also slot into Liverpool’s defence and could earn a first-team position almost instantly given the problems that Jurgen Klopp has experienced in that area.
Ragnar Klavan has been filling in for injured Joel Matip, while Dejan Lovren has failed to consistently perform at the back.
Elsewhere, Eric Bailly is facing a three-month spell on the sidelines at United, which could explain why Mourinho is rumoured to be a suitor.
If Van Dijk is to leave in January, the defender needs to make a decision based on where he is likely to have success and pick up regular minutes.