Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Southampton centre-back Jannik Vestergaard this summer and the Saints must ensure that they don't end with a repeat of the situation that has seen Virgil van Dijk become one of the best centre-backs in the world after leaving the South Coast club.
According to the Mirror, Jose Mourinho is contemplating a move for the 28-year-old ahead of the summer as he looks to improve his defensive options at the North London club.
The former Borussia Monchengladbach man has established himself as a key player under Ralph Hasenhuttl this season and has been one of the best performers in the top-flight, having contributed three goals in 21 top-flight appearances, which has helped him average an impressive 7.09 rating.
Only James Ward-Prowse has scored a higher rating in the Premier League so far this season, which emphasises just how important the Dane has become at the South Coast club, so it would be a big loss if the £13.5 million-rated defender were to leave.
Losing such a key defender would perhaps be similar to the deal that saw Van Dijk join Liverpool in 2017, with the Dutchman departing the Saints in a club-record deal and helping to revolutionise Jurgen Klopp's side, helping them to success in the Premier League and Champions League.
Vestergaard's performances this season have earned him comparisons to Van Dijk from Martin Keown and considering the 6 foot 6 man's impressive ability in the air, it is easy to see why.
However, the Danish international has also developed his ability on the ball, averaging an 83.7% pass accuracy rate this season compared to a 77.1% accuracy during the last campaign.
Hasenhuttl is clearly a big fan of the defender, having described him as a "role model", whilst his partnership with Jan Bednarek at the back was a big part of Southampton's impressive form earlier in the season.
Therefore, Martin Semmens should do everything he can to keep hold of the centre-back this summer, as he is clearly an important part of this Saints side, and losing him to a side like Spurs could well lead to a repeat of Van Dijk's incredible rise after St Mary's.
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