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Liverpool transfer news: Virgil van Dijk is staying at Southampton - Francis Benali
SOUTHAMPTON legend Francis Benali believes Virgil van Dijk is staying at St Mary’s.
Virgil van Dijk wants to leave to join Liverpool
Liverpool have wanted the Dutch centre-back for months and aren’t ruling out a deadline-day bid.
It would serve as part of a huge day of spending at Anfield with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also set to sign.
The Reds are also holding talks with Monaco over a possible deal to sign Thomas Lemar.
But Benali thinks they won’t be able to get a Van Dijk move over the line.
“My gut feeling is that Virgil will still be a Saints player when the window shuts,” he said.
“There’s a lot of talk about the money he could go for and seeing the sort of fees some players are fetching it could take a huge, maybe record bid to prise him away after another good season at Southampton.
“Saints could be looking at £80m-plus.
"It will be a decision for the club to take but I’m pleased with the stance they have taken and would like to see him remain a Saints player as long as possible.
Francis Benali doesn't think Virgil van Dijk will go
“There’s a lot of talk about the money he could go for and seeing the sort of fees some players are fetching it could take a huge, maybe record bid to prise him away after another good season at Southampton.
“Saints could be looking at £80m-plus.
"It will be a decision for the club to take but I’m pleased with the stance they have taken and would like to see him remain a Saints player as long as possible.