Chelsea have reportedly become the front-runners in the race for Southampton centre-back Virgil Van Dijk, who is looking more and more likely to leave the St. Mary’s Stadium at the end of the season.
According to Daily Star, the Blues boss Antonio Conte is looking to snap up the deal for the Netherlands international while Manchester United and Manchester City have switched their targets elsewhere.
The Saints want as much as £50m for the 25-year-old centre-half which is reportedly an suitable price in the Italian tactician’s opinion.
Manchester United on the other hand are pushing to resign current Burnley defender Michael Keane, while Pep Guardiola is trying his best to lure Leonardo Bonucci to join him at the Etihad Stadium.
Van Dijk is desperate to get back to Champions League action – which he first experienced at Celtic before moving to Southampton – and is very keen to join Chelsea should an offer be tabled.
