Southampton will do their best to keep Van Dijk

EFL Cup runners-up Southampton have reportedly told the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool that they won't offload Virgil van Dijk on the cheap.

The Netherlands international is currently nursing an ankle problem which he sustained during the 3-0 draw against Leicester City in January.

Speculation has continued to link Van Dijk with the top clubs in England, but the Saints' hierarchy believe that they will keep hold of their asset.

The Saints have been deemed a selling club over the years with Liverpool in particular, making the most of the business with the likes of Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren and Sadio Mane all swapping for Anfield in recent seasons.

Van Dijk is currently regarded as one of the top centre-backs in the English top flight, and the Saints are likely to ward off interest with a hefty price tag.

The Dutch footballer is valued in excess of £50m - meaning that clubs will have to break the world transfer record for a defender.