Everton are second favourites to sign the Liverpool target and Southampton defender.
Bet Victor have installed Everton as second favourites to sign Southampton defender and Liverpool target Virgil van Dijk.
According to the bookmakers, the Toffees are 2/1 to sign the 26-year-old, whose switch to Liverpool broke down in June.
On the face of it, Everton don’t need a centre-back after spending the guts of £30 million on Michael Keane this month, but manager Ronald Koeman could do with another option.
At the moment, Keane and Ashley Williams are undoubtledy Koeman’s best two options in central defence, but the reality of the situation is that the latter turns 33 next month. They need a long-term replacement.
The Wales international remains a fine defender in spite of his advancing years but if Everton are serious about kicking on next season – and they seem to be, having spent over £100 million this summer – then they must consider the Southampton man.
It might cost upwards of £60 million, but the Merseysiders, according to BBC Sport, are set for a £90 million windfall when Romelu Lukaku completes his switch to Manchester United.
Going forward, Keane and Van Dijk is a dream partnership which would massively boost the club’s chances of a top-four finish – and that’s just next season. Long term, such solidity in defence could be the foundations for a Premier League title challenge.
Liverpool fans would be furious if their bitter Merseyside rivals nicked their target, but Everton have been acting like an elite club with their transfer activity over the last month and such a brazen move would underline the fact that Koeman means business.
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