Wednesday 16 August 2017 23:05, UK
Southampton are firmly in favour of closing the transfer window before future Premier League seasons kick off, according to chairman Ralph Krueger.
The English Football League announced its clubs will discuss closing the summer window early following reports that top-flight clubs are pushing for the same decision.
It is understood the matter will be raised at next month's Premier League shareholders' board meeting, and Krueger has confirmed Saints will be among the clubs driving change.
Southampton, like several others, have started this season with a disgruntled key player and the Virgil van Dijk situation has only underlined to Krueger the need for the window to change.
"I think that it's the system we need to look at, so we're a huge proponent of closing the transfer window before the season starts," Krueger said.
"We're a huge proponent of looking at why these kinds of situations even evolve.
"I don't see Virgil so much as a reason to put it all on him - I think it is part of what is happening in football and it is happening in other clubs.
"I don't need to list them, you know there's other clubs that have similar situations, so it's not like we're the only one and I have to say the key is how (Southampton manager) Mauricio Pellegrino has dealt with the situation.
"He is a very strong leader and he has kept everybody on the job and focused, and he has even dealt with Virgil very well and they are communicating openly with each other."
