Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, and Sadio Mane have all left Southampton for Liverpool in recent years - will Virgil van Dijk be next?

The Saints are determined to change their reputation as a feeder club for the Reds, starting with the centre-back.

While the Dutchman has gone on strike and has been made to train alone, the board are refusing to be bullied into selling.

In the last few days, chairman Ralph Krueger has reiterated that stance, warning Van Dijk is categorically "not for sale".

This all sounds very familiar. Philippe Coutinho is 'not for sale', but few would be surprised if he became a Barcelona player in the coming weeks.

Ultimately, every player has their price.

So, why are Southampton delaying the inevitable if Van Dijk's head has been turned?

The Independent suggest that the club are waiting for Coutinho to be sold, as they will then be able to ramp the price up even higher.

The 26-year-old is already being talked about in the £60million bracket, but if and when Liverpool have the Coutinho money in the bank, Southampton could hold them to ransom and demand up to £80m.

Liverpool's need is desperate 

Perhaps Jurgen Klopp should spend whatever it takes, particularly after watching his side's defending in the 3-3 draw against Watford.

Signing Van Dijk isn't going to miraculously resolve their inability to defend set pieces, but having a leader at the back - and one who's strong in the air - would go a long way.

In the mean time, his continued exile from the main training group at St Mary's is having a worrying effect on his international career.

Dick Advocaat has left the former Celtic man out of the Holland squad for their vital World Cup qualifiers against France and Bulgaria.

Having missed the last three months of last season, it seems unlikely he's going to be completely match-sharp for whichever team he next appears for.

How much is Van Dijk worth in the current market? Have your say in the comments.