Manchester United and Liverpool set to sign in-form Southampton stars

Southampton have reportedly given up hope of keeping hold of defenders Virgil van Dijk and Jose Fonte past next summer, according to The Sun.

The Premier League side, who advanced to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night after defeating Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, are poised to receive interest in the duo from Liverpool and Manchester United respectively in the new year, if not, during the following transfer window.

Van Dijk – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Van Dijk, 25, who has 12 international caps for the Netherlands, has scored one goal in 19 appearances in all competitions for the Saints so far this season.

Meanwhile Fonte, 32, who won Euro 2016 earlier this summer with Portugal, has played 14 games in all competitions under manager Claude Puel so far this campaign.

It is understood that Dutchman Van Dijk is fancied by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, whilst Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is an admirer of fellow countryman Fonte, whose current contract at St Mary’s Stadium expires in 2018.