Southampton set price for Man Utd & Liverpool target

Southampton are prepared to let go of Virgil van Dijk in the January transfer window, should any club match his £40m valuation.

The Netherlands international has developed into a key performer for the Saints since his £13m move from Celtic in the summer of 2015.

Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool have both been associated with the player's services this month, but according to The Mirror, the Saints are unlikely to accept anything less than £40m for their centre-back in the New Year.

Van Dijk only inked a fresh six-year deal earlier this year, and he is no in hurry to leave the South Coast side in the future.

Reports elsewhere suggest the Dutchman could be the subject of exchange deal from Liverpool with striker Daniel Sturridge likely to move in the opposite direction.