Southampton boss Claude Puel dismisses talk over Virgil van Dijk and Jose Fonte futures

Southampton boss Claude Puel has dismissed speculation surrounding the futures of defenders Virgil van Dijk and Jose Fonte.

The duo have forged a formidable partnership at the back since Van Dijk arrived from Celtic in 2015, but are both being linked with moves away from St Mary's.

But Puel is ignoring the transfer talk as Saints look to bounce back from their disappointing Europa League exit on Thursday night when they host Middlesbrough in the Premier League on Sunday.

"It's not the moment, it's not the time to speak about the window in January," said Puel.

"All concentration on this competition and to try to come back in the first part - it is very important.

"I think we have lost many points with a good thing with the players, playing a good game, and now it's important to keep concentration and to be clinical to win our games.”

With Charlie Austin out with a suspected dislocated shoulder injury for an indefinite period of time, Puel has challenged his players to rally themselves for the remainder of the domestic season.

"It's important for this competition and now we want to come back in this competition, which is to come back in the Premier League for the end of the season,” he added.

"This is the most important and it is a good challenge and to see a good reaction."