Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino thinks that his side could again be tested for Virgil van Dijk in the January transfer window, with the Dutchman having been wanted by Liverpool in the summer window, while several other clubs were linked with a move. 

Van Dijk made clear his desire to leave Southampton, but the Saints insisted that the centre-back would not be sold and as the window shut he remained at St. Mary's. 




It is less than clear whether Van Dijk will see out the season with Southampton though and Pellegrino believes just as he will be looking to improve his squad in January, the biggest sides in the Premier League will be seeking to do the same – and they may want Van Dijk.

The Southampton boss was asked if Van Dijk will stay in January at a press conference following his side's 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.
 


And he replied: "Hopefully yes, but now for me I've got this group of players and I will try to push them, to work with them and to help them to improve every single day.

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"But we never know how the market will be in January because we can bring some players, because every single squad can improve.

"We've got people that are working to improve our squad all the time and for the other teams it is the same.

"They will push to bring the best players and Virgil is one case, one of the best players in the Premier League and it's normal that the biggest teams in the Premier League want to sign him", Pellegrino added.

Liverpool are continuing to suffer from defensive issues and the Reds, who could only draw 1-1 at home with Burnley, may choose to move again for Van Dijk in January.

But the Reds may have company from other Premier League sides who feel their defence would benefit from the Dutchman's presence.