Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger has given his endorsement to the idea that the transfer deadline needs to be shortened.

The proposed move would see the window shut before the season begins.

The Saints have endured a public transfer stoush this summer with their defender Virgil van Dijk, who has recently handed in a transfer request, and Krueger believes the system needs to reviewed so these situations can be prevented.

"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."