Jermain eyes seat on plane
VIRGIL VAN DIJK would be welcomed back into the Southampton dressing room if he stays, says team-mate Charlie Austin.
Van Dijk, right, has told new manager Mauricio Pellegrino he wants to leave and has effectively gone on strike.
Striker Austin said: “He’s the captain, so someone of that class you’d want to be involved.” JERMAIN DEFOE is dreaming of a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Defoe, 34, is looking to bag himself a seat on the plane to Russia next year and admits it is already in the back of his mind.
“It’s only normal to have one eye on the World Cup,” he said. “Every English player will want to get into that squad but it’s based on merit, so you’ll have to play well for your club.
“I’ll focus on doing that and if I get the opportunity to play in the World Cup again, it would be a dream.” Defoe, recalled to the England set-up by Gareth Southgate in March after three years away, had his first game for Bournemouth in Saturday’s 2-1 friendly win at Portsmouth.
He is aware he faces a fight for his club place, let alone an England one, but likened it to his time at Tottenham. “It’s good competition here and that’s what you want,” he said.
“At Tottenham there were always four top forwards. It keeps you on your toes.” MOUSA DEMBELE says Spurs are just one big happy family. Kyle Walker may have flown the nest but those still at home are sticking together aiming to make it third time lucky in the Premier League. Chairman Daniel Levy is adamant Eric Dier is not leaving and midfielder Dembele, left, said: “Our squad is like a family. We understand each other.” ●SWANSEA are considering a bid for striker Wilfried Bony, 28, two and a half years after he left them for Manchester City for £28million.