Saints Marching
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A look at the three central defenders currently linked with Southampton

By Nikos Lemanis

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 31: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton and Hal Robson-Kanu of West Bromwich Albion compete for the ball 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 and Hal Robson-Kanu of West Bromwich Albion compete for the ball 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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MILAN, ITALY – MAY 28: FC Internazionale Milano fans display a giant banner for Rodrigo Palacio prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 28, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 28: FC Internazionale Milano fans display a giant banner for Rodrigo Palacio prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 28, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images) /

Zinho Vanheusden

At 18 years of age, Zinho Vanheusden is highly unlikely to be considered an immediate replacement for Van Dijk.

But despite his youth he is already attracting attention from all around the Premier League. Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton have been linked with the Belgian under-19, with Chelsea sending scouts to watch him as far back as March.

And Southampton are now said to be tracking the Inter Milan defender too.

Although yet to make his first team debut in Italy, Vanheusden has been a regular for Inter’s youth side since moving from Anderlecht in 2015. Last season he was a vital part of their under-19 title winning side, leading with composure from the back.

And it seems his break into the Nerazzurri senior squad may be nearing. Luciano Spalletti has included Vanheusden in his pre-season squad. The young defender hasn’t made it off the bench much, but did start in their first friendly against FC Nürnberg.

At 6’2”, Vanheusden has all the attributes of a solid central defender, but his lack of first team experience coupled with Inter’s strong desire to keep him might scupper any plans of a move this summer.

Perhaps one to watch in the future.

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