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Virgil van Dijk and Southampton set for crunch talks

By Chris Hughes

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 31: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton reacts after fouling Jose Salomon Rondon of West Bromwich Albion resulting in the second yellow card during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 31: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton reacts after fouling Jose Salomon Rondon of West Bromwich Albion resulting in the second yellow card during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /
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Virgil van Dijk’s fate could be decided over the coming week, with the defender set for important talks over his Southampton future this week.

According to various sources over the past couple of hours, Virgil van Dijk’s future at the club could be decided by the end of the week.

The Saints have friendlies against both Augsburg and Sevilla between now and Saturday, and speculation has suggested that the Dutchman’s fate will be decided not long after the latter.

At the end of last week it was reported that boss Mauricio Pellegrino would reintegrate the defender back into the first-team squad, having made him train alone whilst the rest of the team traveled to France for a pre-season camp.

But it seems like next seven days could be even more important than they may of already seemed, with Liverpool continuing to swarm like sharks and van Dijk reportedly wanting out.

The 45-year-old Pellegrino and those above him have stood firm on the potential sale of the side’s team captain, insisting that they are in no position to sell their prized asset.

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 26: Les Reed, Southampton Executive Director talks during day 1 of the Soccerex Global Convention 2016 at Manchester Central Convention Complex on September 26, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Daniel Smith/Getty Images for Soccerex)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 26: Les Reed, Southampton Executive Director talks during day 1 of the Soccerex Global Convention 2016 at Manchester Central Convention Complex on September 26, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Daniel Smith/Getty Images for Soccerex) /

Van Dijk’s future has been one of the most-talked about sagas this summer, with Liverpool keen to add yet another Saints player to their ranks.

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But despite reported transfer fees as high as £70 million, Southampton have stood firm on their beliefs that no players need to be sold, and have even gone as far and threatening to report Liverpool for their illegal tapping-up of the 26-year-old.

Despite a public apology to the Southampton fans it seems Liverpool are still intent on landing their man, which could result in a record fee paid for a defender.

Part of VVD’s value comes from the long-term contract he signed with the club last summer, when he committed himself to the Saints until the summer of 2022.

Southampton supporters will be hoping that the club stand firm with his transfer demands over the next week, especially after rewarding him with the honour of being team captain just seven months ago.

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