Daily Echo:

JAN Bednarek insists that Saints’ preparations for the Premier League season have not been hampered by Virgil van Dijk’s ongoing transfer saga.

The £5m summer signing from Lech Poznan says that Mauricio Pellegrino's team “don’t talk” about Van Dijk and are only focused on making a positive start to campaign against Swansea at St Mary’s on Saturday.

“It’s Virgil’s own situation,” the 21-year-old centre-back said. “We have to just focus on Saturday and that’s the most important thing.

“This is his own problem and we have to be separated from this, because we have an important game and for the team that’s the only important thing.”

“We don’t think about this and don’t talk about it,” he added.

“It’s his problem and if he wanted our support we would do it, but the most important thing is the team spirit and we are focused on it.”

Van Dijk was banished to train alone by Pellegrino after asking to leave and has since handed in a transfer request to try and force a move away from St Mary’s.

Bednarek, though, isn’t worried about that and is far more interested in fighting for his place in the Saints team.

The Poland Under-21 international knows he faces a big challenge to get ahead of Maya Yoshida and Jack Stephens, but is adamant he’s ready for the task.

He said: “I’m ready. Of course, the intensity and level of the players is very, very good but I’m used to it.

“I can play and now I’m looking forward to my debut in the Premier League.”

“It’s not like I started playing football two days ago. I’ve played for ten years and I’m ready,” he continued.

“I’m confident and ready to be in the squad but it’s up to the coach.

“There’s a few good players in my position.”

He knows his rivals for a starting role can be valuable allies in adapting to the Premier League.

“They’re very good players. Maya is a Japan international, Jack is an England Under-21,” he said.

“They are very good players, but I can learn a lot from them and can’t wait to play with them.”

The Premier League is a big step up from the Polish ranks.

“When you come to the best league in the world it’s always a big step - it doesn’t matter where you’re from,” he said.

“I’m ready, though, and I want to improve and that’s why I’m here.

“I have to keep working and give my best.”

He wants to fight for game time.

“This is the most important, you have to play and be on the pitch,” he said.

“You just have to play as much as possible, to improve and feel confident.”

The 6ft2in defender has been getting tips off his colleagues as he eyes his Premier League debut.

“I’ve talked with some players,” he said. “They told me what it’s like and they said it’s not easy but I’m ready for that.

“I’m ready in my mind and that’s the most important thing.”

Bednarek has moved to Winchester and is living on his own currently, but is already feeling well settled in the area thanks to his team-mates.

“I’m alone here but I have a lot of football friends,” he said. “They are helping me so much. We are always going out together to do something.

“They are very friendly and my family will come once a month.

“They’ll keep close to me but far away. It’s a bit different, but I’ll handle it. I’m a tough guy, so it doesn’t matter.”

Saints face Swansea in their Premier League opener and Bednarek believes Pellegrino’s side are ready.

“We have prepared very well. We’ve worked very hard and we can’t wait for the first game,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to playing in front of a full house. It will be so noisy and will be a good atmosphere.”

What does he expect from the season?

“I expect a lot of emotions, ups and downs. We will win and we will lose but you have to keep going, working and improving.

“We are ready for that.”