Southampton players would welcome Virgil van Dijk back with open arms, says captain Steven Davis, but 'nobody knows what's going through his head'
- Steven Davis insists the wantaway Virgil van Dijk is still welcome at Southampton
- Van Dijk has asked for a transfer, but Davis claims Saints players want him to stay
- Davis admits nobody knows what's going through the Dutch defender's head
Southampton players would welcome Virgil van Dijk back with open arms despite his transfer standoff with the Premier League club, midfielder Steven Davis has said.
Van Dijk handed in a transfer request last week after expressing disappointment at the club's refusal to listen to offers for him.
Davis took the captain's armband in the absence of Van Dijk, who was ruled out of the weekend's goalless draw with Swansea City due to a virus.
Virgil van Dijk would be welcomed back by his team-mates with open arms, says Steven Davis
Davis replaced Van Dijk as captain on Saturday as Southampton drew 0-0 with Swansea
'It's a situation Virgil has got to deal with himself,' Davis told reporters.
'Nobody else is living in that moment so nobody knows what's going through his head.
'But we're all there to support him and we'd welcome him back with open arms. That goes without question because of the quality that he's got.'
Van Dijk is being watched by Chelsea and Liverpool, who were forced to make a public apology after being accused of making an illegal approach for the player earlier in the transfer window.
'We're all professionals, we know that's football, we know what goes on behind the scenes,' Davis added.
'We're desperate and we hope we can keep him because he's such a quality player and an important player in the dressing room as well.'
Southampton, who have failed to score in their last six league games at home, host West Ham United on Saturday.
But the midfielder seems keen for the former skipper to return, despite his transfer request
Van Dijk, who missed the Swansea game with flu, is being watched by Chelsea and Liverpool
Most watched Sport videos
- Luke Davico at the Raiders V Bulldogs grand final in 1994
- Kyle Walker and his wife 'consider moving to Saudi Arabia'
- Arsenal pay tribute to Gunners fan Daniel Anjorin at the Emirates
- Ed Sheeran celebrates Ipswich Town's promotion from Miami
- Jurgen Klopp attacks English football and 'overworked' Premier League
- Vunipola recalls the moment he was tasered twice by police
- Jake Paul presses Ryan Garcia on failed drug test during livestream
- Liverpool manager reflects on winning game against Tottenham
- Guardiola: 'Haaland was frustrated but I can guarantee he is happy'
- Liverpool training clip goes viral for 'squad showing no intensity'
- Ryan Garcia performs rap song on stage at Las Vegas' Zouk Nightclub
- 'Hugely disappointing outcome': Spurs manager reflects on loss