No buy-out clause in Virgil van Djik's contract, says Claude Puel

Southampton boss Claude Puel has denied rumours Virgil van Dijk has a £25million buy-out clause in his contract.

Van Dijk has been linked with a move to several Premier League clubs ahead of the upcoming January transfer window following solid performances for the Saints this season.

But Puel shot down talk of the Dutch centre-back having a buy-out clause in the six-year contract extension he signed last May.

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"It is not true," said Puel on whether such a clause existed. "After the other thing it's just speculation.

"If he [Van Dijk] wants to change agent, it is not a problem for me. After this no comment about speculation, just to say that Virgil is an important player for the team, for Southampton, of course.

"For me it is not a possibility to see him [move] away. It's important to consider this in this moment and to not speak further about this.''

Since his move from Celtic in 2015 Van Dijk has become a key member of Southampton's defence, which has conceded just 15 goals in the Premier League so far this season. Only Chelsea and Tottenham have conceded fewer goals.