Manchester City transfer news: Saints defender Virgil van Dijk would opt to join Pep Guardiola’s side over rivals Manchester United
CLAUDE PUEL faces a fight to keep hold of their key man after a string if stellar performances
SOUTHAMPTON defender Virgil van Dijk would opt to join Pep Guardiola's Manchester City over rivals Manchester United.
The 25-year-old is being courted by a host of Premier League giants following a string of impressive performances in the Saints' back four.
But manager Claude Puel is demanding at least £40million for their key man after insisting that he does not have a release clause in his contract.
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When asked whether Van Dijk's contract, which he penned in the summer, had a £25million release clause, Puel said: "It is not true.
"After this I make no comment about speculation, just to say that Virgil is an important player for the team."
United, Man City, Liverpool, Everton and Chelsea are all thought to be interested in luring the ex-Celtic defender away from Saint Mary's.
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And the huge interest in his signature is set to start a bidding war in January which could rise to over £40million.
, Van Dijk would opt to play his football at the Etihad over Old Trafford.
Puel will be determined to not to lose Van Dijk during the January transfer window and will hope to wait until the summer before starting negotiations.
Van Dijk only signed a six-year contract last season.
But Saints have a history of selling their best players and a bumper bid could convince them to do business.