Liverpool will rival Chelsea for Virgil van Dijk
Since his move south of the border from Celtic, Virgil van Dijk has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top centre backs and will be a sought-after property in the summer transfer window.
Southampton, who have had their squad picked apart in recent summers, primarily by Liverpool, expect a bidding war to commence over their star defender and the London Evening Standard note that Liverpool and Chelsea will go head-to-head for the Dutchman.
Chelsea are eager to add a strong ball-playing centre back to their artillery in the summer and van Dijk fits the bill perfectly but the Reds will be serious contenders for his signature.
It’s understood that the Saints will be holding out for as much as £50m to let go of their prized asset which puts him amongst the most expensive defenders in football history.
Van Dijk is said to be interested in the opportunity to join one of English football’s elite clubs but having signed a new long-term deal last May, Southampton have all the leverage in negotiations.
Liverpool may need to qualify for the Champions League in order to stand any real chance of beating likely league champions Chelsea to the 25-year-old’s signature.