Liverpool and Chelsea transfer setback, shock Arsenal return, Bale's Man Utd agreement

Liverpool and Chelsea’s hopes of signing Virgil van Dijk have suffered a blow.

Southampton boss Claude Puel has insisted the Holland international will remain at the St Mary’s next season.

He said: “He’s our captain. We know he is important for us. He has maturity and leadership in the team.

“He is important, he’s a fantastic player we know. He’s important for us now. 

“Of course we wait until the beginning of the season to see him on the pitch. He has a long contract and I think the day he returns we will want to keep him.”

Wojciech Szczesny is reportedly ready to return to Arsenal and fight to be the club’s number one.

The Polish keeper has been in outstanding form for Roma, where he is on loan.

And the Independent say the 27-year-old believes he can still have a future at the Emirates.

The reports adds Szczesny wants to play in the Premier League even if he is not needed at Arsenal.

Gareth Bale has agreed to join Manchester United if they qualify for next seasons Champions League.

According to Spanish outlet Diario Gol, the Real Madrid ace has an “unwritten agreement” with United boss Jose Mourinho.

United are fifth in the Premier League, four points off a top four place but are in the semi-finals of the Europa League, where victory in the final guarantees Champions League qualification.