Vigril Van Dijk is in the midst of a transfer storm amid recent speculation regarding his long-term future.

Both Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing the 25-year-old this January to shore up their defence for the Premier League run-in.

You can understand why Van Dijk has so many suitors, a series of commanding displays since his 2015 move from Celtic has seen him become one of the most talked about players in the league, and even nail down a starting spot for his country.

Van Dijk played a pivotal role in a side that went on a run of 6 Premier League games without conceding a goal last season, as well as earlier this year. He’d surely improve a United defence that is looking shakier by the week, with the 4-0 defeat by Chelsea still fresh in the players’ minds.

The same can be said for free-scoring Liverpool, who could really use the strength of the 25-year-old at the back to round of their team and push all the way for the Premier League title this term.

But why should the towering Dutchman leaving the Saints? He clearly has a good thing going on there and the upheaval of another move in such a short space of time could prove detrimental for him.

With Van Dijk’s long-term future very much up in the air, here are THREE reasons why he should snub United and Liverpool and stick with the Saints this January.

Would risk losing a starting Premier League spot

Van Dijk already commands a starting spot in a defence that conceded the 5th least amount of Premier League goals last term.

He’s clearly comfortable at Southampton, having signed a new contract in May, and is playing great football, why risk that with a move to a new club where his future starting prospects are unknown?

Dejan Lovren has stepped up his game in recent months and looks to have an ever-improving understanding with Cameroonian Joel Matip.

Eric Bailly has settled-in well at United following his summer move, and Smalling was one of their best players last term and could rediscover that form – especially with the added competition of Van Djik driving him on.

All this means a starting spot at either United or Liverpool is by no means assured for the Dutchman.

Southampton are a side on the up

Southampton are a side on the up having secured European football for the first time in over a decade last season. The Saints always seem to improve on their league finish from the previous campaign and they will be looking to do the same this term.

Van Dijk should stick with Southampton and develop into a real leader for the them, pushing them forward toward greater things.

The Dutchman has already helped the Saints to finish in their highest ever Premier League position and could go down as a club legend if he keeps performing to such a high level.

It’s not the right time

Van Dijk only moved to the Premier League at the start of last season, and is still learning about the league with each game he plays.

At 25-years-of-age Van Dijk still has his best years ahead of him, and with centre-backs usually taking a little longer to peak maybe now is not the best time for a big money move.

The Dutchman should spend a year or two more at Southampton, developing his game by adding more consistency to his displays.

This will make sure that when the time comes for a move he is completely ready, and can deal with the pressures that come with a big money move.