Saints eye Wimmer if Van Dijk leaves

SOUTHAMPTON will target Kevin Wimmer if they lose Virgil van Dijk this summer.

The Saints have so far refused to sanction Van Dijk’s exit, despite the defender’s wish to leave St Mary’s.

Van Dijk’s representatives remain hopeful the Dutchman will be allowed to leave this summer, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City prepared to make huge bids.

Despite their hardline stance, Southampton have made contingency plans in case Van Dijk exits.

And Tottenham’s Wimmer features prominently on the Saints’ list of candidates to replace him.

Mauricio Pochettino is keen to keep Wimmer at White Hart Lane, but is aware of his desire to play regular first-team football.

An offer of around £20million could be enough to persuade Tottenham to part with the Austria international.