According to The Times, Liverpool are at the risk of missing out on Southampton defender and long-term target Virgil van Dijk, with Chelsea preparing to beat them to his signature by offering the Saints £50million.
The 26-year-old is rated £60million by the south coast, but Liverpool haven’t been able to make an official bid after they were made to apologize for contacting the Dutch centre-back behind the club’s back.
Chelsea see the break in trust as an opportunity to land Van Dijk having already made a move back in January.
Blues boss Antonio Conte wants a deal wrapped up for the defender before the 2017-18 Premier League season kicks off on Friday.
Having trained alone since he expressed his desire to leave the Saint Mary’s, Van Dijk is expected to miss matchday 1- regardless of whichever club he is by then – as a result of a lack of full match fitness.
Liverpool and Southampton have developed a great business relationship over the years, with 4 former Saints first-teamers at Anfield.
While Liverpool hold some sort of imaginary “right of first-refusal” on Van Dijk if his club ever decide to let him go, it isn’t unknown if they are willing to offer Southampton the whole £60million asking price.
Chelsea might just still have a chance if they table a better offer to both club and player. On this particular interesting transfer drama, more twists and turns should be expected.
