Jordan: Southampton MUST make Liverpool pay for Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has been continually linked with a move away from Southampton.
Liverpool have emerged as frontrunners to sign the £60million-rated Dutchman, with Jurgen Klopp keen to revamp his defence.
Reports emerged earlier this week suggesting a source close to Van Dijk expects him to seal a switch to Anfield by transfer deadline day on August 31.
Van Dijk was left out of the club’s pre-season tour on France, amid the speculation over his future.
And Adkins thinks Van Dijk and his representatives should do things in a dignified manner if he leaves the club.
GETTY
Virgil van Dijk wants to leave Southampton
He needs to be respectful of Southampton - he needs to be training and training well for them
Nigel Adkins
“A player and a player's representatives are always going to push to get the best deal they can,” Adkins told Sky Sports.
"He needs to be respectful of Southampton - he needs to be training and training well for them.
“If something does materialise, then that's just business, that's football, that's life. He's got to deal with that."
And Adkins thinks Van Dijk still has to remember he is under contract with Saints and remain professional.
GETTY
Nigel Adkins thinks Virgil van Dijk has to be respectful to Southampton
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“We've got a situation in football where it's too easy for a player to say 'I am unhappy'… well the player was not unhappy when he signed a contract not so long ago," Adkins added.
"He has to be respectful of that contract as well and if business gets done, get it done privately and done behind the scenes.
“If Van Dijk does go, Southampton will get the asking price, which seems very expensive at this point in time."
