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(Video) James Milner scores from cross – thanks to handy deflection
(We’re a little more skeptical, based on everything else that has gone on since the end of last season, of course!)
The ex-Premier League forward has suggested the Saints are already looking for replacements and that if not, there’s plenty of talent in the youth team who could eventually step up to replace the Dutchman.
Van Dijk handed in a transfer request over a week ago, but as of yet, Chelsea nor Liverpool have lodged an official bid for his services.
Ormerod told Bwin: “I think he’s off to Liverpool if I’m honest.
“A player who is clearly upset and not giving his all for the club can have a detrimental effect on the squad and Southampton are a team that always have a great team spirit and bond.
“At some point, perhaps there is a temptation to cut their losses and take the substantial profit the move will generate.
“There is always a player in Southampton’s academy/youth-set up that can replace their stars. They are one of the best clubs in the world to bring up their own players.
“I think they have one or two targets to replace Van Dijk. I can’t think of another club that has lost some of their best players as often as the Saints but has continued to perform well – quite simply it’s one of the best run clubs in the Premier League.”
This sounds more like conjecture than any solid information regarding van Dijk, so it’s not going to get us excited.
We’ve been stung far too many times this summer, and until Southampton openly admit they’re willing to sell the defender, we’re not sure we’ll go in for him.
If Liverpool fail to buy a centre-back before the campaign begins though, we’ll not enjoy a good season. That’s a sad, unarguable fact – although our management disagrees.