Southampton’s ideal XI following the January window

Virgil van Dijk

Following Jose Fonte’s departure to West Ham last week, it is absolutely imperative that Southampton keep hold of Virgil van Dijk over the coming days.

The Dutch international, who suffered a nasty-looking ankle injury against Leicester last weekend, has been in excellent form for the Saints this term, and is arguably one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League at present.

Thus, after keeping the likes of Sergio Aguero and Romelu Lukaku under wraps in league meetings with Manchester City and Everton, the 25-year-old has attracted interest from many top English clubs, with City, Liverpool, Everton, and Manchester United all having shown a reported interest in van Dijk.

However, Southampton cannot afford to lose their best defender, and so must rebuff any approach for the Dutchman between now and February 1.