Virgil van Dijk: Southampton star could be worth £80m next summer

That’s the verdict of Saints legend Francis Benali.

Starsport understands Liverpool are prepared to pay £70m to get Van Dijk today.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City have all looked at the Saints star but his heart is set on a switch to Anfield.

Benali think Van Dijk will say, and says a big money deal could then follow in 12 months time.

“My gut feeling is that Virgil will still be a Saints player when the window shuts,” he said.

“There’s a lot of talk about the money he could go for and seeing the sort of fees some players are fetching it could take a huge, maybe record bid to prise him away after another good season at Southampton.

“Saints could be looking at £80m-plus.

"It will be a decision for the club to take but I’m pleased with the stance they have taken and would like to see him remain a Saints player as long as possible.

“He’s an absolute top class, and I would go as far as to say world-class, player.

"There’s been a lot of talk about him going to some big clubs in this country but in my opinion he could easily go to a Barcelona, Real Madrid or PSG, anywhere in the world, he’s that good.”