Manchester City are favourites ahead of Liverpool to sign Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton.
Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk heads clear
Liverpool last night announced they have pulled out of the race to sign Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk.
The Reds made the decision after the Saints threatened to approach them to the Premier League over making an illegal approach to the centre-back.
With Liverpool backing off, Manchester City have emerged as the clear favourites to sign the Dutchman.
SkyBet rate City as 5/4 favourites to sign Van Dijk, with Liverpool slipping from odds on down to 3/1.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
Chelsea are at 5/1, while Manchester United are still 20/1 outsiders.
Southampton are demanding a hefty fee for Van Dijk’s signature, with The Mirror reporting he is valued at £60 million.
If there is one club who would not have a problem paying that sort of money it is City, who spent a similar figure on John Stones last summer, and Raheem Sterling a year before that.
This summer they have already splashed out on Bernardo Silva and more deals are expected to follow.
Liverpool seemingly don’t have a route back in at this stage, and it will be galling for fans to have to now watch on if a rival goes on to complete a deal.
Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring their first goal
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