Virgil’s Van-tastic
TRANSFER WINDOW IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND CHELSEA’S CONTE SAYS...
CHELSEA moved into the market yesterday for defender Virgil van Dijk after he was rested by Southampton.
Stamford Bridge boss Antonio Conte refused to rule out a January move for the Dutch international centre-half.
He said: “I do not talk about other players but I like him as a player. He has had a bad injury and has come back well.
“He is quality and I wish him all the best in the future – that’s all I want to say.”
Van Dijk was the subject of a £70million bid from Liverpool in the summer, with Manchester City also interested in securing his services.
Saints insisted then that he would not be sold.
But Van Dijk (right) was one of six changes to the Southampton line-up which started the midweek mauling by Leicester – and his omission at Stamford Bridge sparked suggestions of a January departure.
Saints manager Mauricio Pellegrino opened the way for his departure in the new year,
He said: “Virgil is an important player.
“I can’t control the market. I’m not the owner of the player. I will give my opinion to the technical director and after that it is up to the board to decide, but it is not with me.
“I left him and others out because I wanted fresh players after playing so many games in a few days. I can’t say what will happen in the future.
“The players who came in did well and looked good for the future. The players who came in did well and I thought we were unlucky with their goal just before half-time.”
Asked if Saints’ resolve to keep Van Dijk at the club remained, Pellegrino added: “I can’t control this.
“I will recommend to try to keep our best player here in the club.
“The club was clear in the beginning and I have the same opinion.”
Marcos Alonso’s free-kick was decisive as Saints’ winless run was extended to five games to keep them in a congested lower half of the table.
Conte added: “This season we’ve created many chances but we must be more accurate with the finishing.” Arsenal
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