Southampton transfer rumours: van Dijk, Clasie, Gallagher
By Chris Hughes
The transfer rumour mill has continued to churn out fresh names, as a host of Southampton players are linked with moves away.
Southampton’s squad could be in for a serious shake-up this summer if media reports are to be believed, with several players linked with moves away from the club.
But the main rumour to emerge in the past day is regarding a recurring link, with the Virgil van Dijk transfer saga taking another twist.
According to the Express Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are set to trump Chelsea and Liverpool for the Saints’ team captain, with their interest having previously cooled off as of late. Both the champions and Klopp’s side have battled to be front-runners in the race for the 25-year-old, but now the Citizens could be set to land the defender.
Man City have already brought in Bernando Silva this summer and could soon add goalkeeper Ederson, and if they were to sign van Dijk it would make for a highly successful start to the summer for the side.
Meanwhile van Dijk’s fellow Dutchman Jordy Clasie is seemingly on his way out of the club, with increased speculation of a move to Italy to join SS Lazio.
The midfielder has failed to really make his mark at Southampton in his two full seasons at the club, with injuries and the better form of teammates forcing him out of the picture. He could now join fellow Dutch international Stefan De Vrij in Rome, whom he played alongside whilst at Feyenoord.
Clasie has scored just once in the league in 48 games for the Saints since arriving under Ronald Koeman, and despite showing glimpses of potential he’s never really upped his game.
The reported deal would only be temporary however, with the offer on the cards only being a season-long loan.
Finally returning loanee Sam Gallagher could be on his way out of the club, with recent reports suggesting a stay in the Championship for the young striker. However the latest gossip suggests that he could be on his way to Wales to join Cardiff, who are hoping to mount a promotion push next season.
Valued around £7 million Gallagher was impressive for a relegated Blackburn Rovers whilst on loan their last season, scoring a dozen goals and showing his ability as a talented poacher and target man.
However with little to suggest that any of Southampton’s four first-team strikers are to be sold that Gallagher may have little choice but to look elsewhere to football, and he isn’t short of suitors in the second tier.