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(Image: GETTY)

The £50m rated Van Dijk – also wanted by French giants Paris St Germain - was expected to quit St Mary’s this summer.

But Saints are now increasingly confident they can keep their star man for at least another year following his appointment as captain, 25.

After handing centre back Van Dijk the armband following Jose Fonte’s departure to West Ham last month, Saints sought assurances he was committed to the south coast.

(Image: GETTY) (Image: GETTY)

A source said: “When Virgil took the captaincy it was on the understanding he would lead the team until the end of next season as a minimum.

“He has a long-term contract and is settled at the club.”

Van Dijk has earned a string of admirers with his stellar performances since joining Saints from Celtic in September 2005 in a £13m deal.

The towering Dutchman signed a bumper new six-year contract in May last year, which Saints insist has no release clause.

Van Dijk is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, meaning veteran Northern Ireland midfielder will skipper the side for their EFL Cup final with Manchester United at the end of the month.

Retaining can Dijk would be a major statement from the Southampton board following a string of big-name departures in recent summers.