Van Dijk going nowhere according to Southampton cheif

Southampton director of football Les Reed has stated that Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk will not be leaving the club in January.

The former Celtic man, who missed his first Premier League game since his arrival, when the Saints visited former manager Ronald Koeman, due to suspension after being sent off against West Brom.

The 25-year-old has been linked with moves to both Chelsea and Manchester City, amongst other Premier League sides, although it seems that the club are adamant they will be holding onto their man.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent and the Southern Daily Echo, Reed said:

“He’s not for sale.

“We haven’t had any bids, and if we got any bids we wouldn’t consider them.

“It makes no sense for anyone to think we would release Virgil…. he’s simply not for sale.”

The declaration comes a day after, in the same interview, Reed revealed that club captain, Jose Fonte, had handed in a transfer request.

Chelsea will without doubt look to test the resolve of Reed and his colleagues, whilst Saints fans will have to play an excruciating waiting game.