Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk has been linked with both Chelsea and Liverpool this summer, and it is understood that his club would rather sell him to Stamford Bridge and they have reportedly told the premier league champions that they can sign the Dutchman for a fee woryh £70million.
It is believed that Southampton were sorely displeased with Liverpool’s approach for their skipper earlier this summer, and even threatened to report Jurgen Klopp’s side to the FA for their act.
The Netherlands international is understood to be among the blues main transfer targets for the remainder of this summer as Italian manager remain keen to strengthen his defence department following a handful of departures.
Club legend John Terry left for Aston Villa following the end of his contract this summer, while the duo of Nathan Ake and Nathaniel Chalobah have also been sold.
According to Yahoo Sport, the west London club would have a big edge over Liverpool in the pursuit of Virgil due to the Saints preference to sell to them over Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Nevertheless, despite that Van Dijk has handed in a transfer request, there are speculations that the club still hope they can make him stay with them for at least one more season, as he is one of the best they’ve got.
He joined Southampton from Celtic in 2015 for just £13m and has grown into one of the best in the English top flight.
