Speaking to Jim White on Talksport, Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger has appeared pretty assured that Virgil van Dijk will be at the club next season - despite continued links concerning a move away from the club for the highly-rated defender.

What's the word?

Dutchman Van Dijk has been in superb form this season and, despite being injured at the moment, is largely regarded as one of the finest centre-halves in the Premier League at the moment.

Indeed, The Sun have referred to the fact both Manchester City and Liverpool want him to bolster their respective defences in the summer and so Krueger's comments will surely come as a blow to both.

What was said?

Speaking to Jim White, Krueger said: "Virgil is committed to us for a long time and we don't see anything but that in our future." He does seem pretty convinced that the Dutchman will not be going anywhere, then, though it remains to be seen if that holds firm if a bid is launched from one of his potential new employers.

Will it stick?

In the modern game it's pretty hard to believe comments like this - no matter how convincing they may seem. For sure, Southampton are a good club that will be in the Premier League next season but there's very little chance that Van Dijk will be playing in Europe next year if he stays with them.

Certainly, both Manchester City and Liverpool should be in Europe next year - whether that be in the Champions League or Europa League - and that carrot may be too much for the Dutchman to turn down when push comes to shove.

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