Liverpool, Newcastle and Southampton are involved in an evolving battle to sign centre-backs.
Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Semedo in action against Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Newcastle United are attempting to sign Ruben Semedo from Sporting Lisbon but face competition from Southampton.
The Mirror report the Saints are hoping to hijack Newcastle’s deal to sign the centre-back and even plan to hold talks this week.
Semedo is rightly wanted by both clubs, but Southampton’s need to sign Semedo is being accelerated by Liverpool’s desire to sign Virgil van Dijk.
Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk reacts
The Times reports Liverpool are planning to pay a club record fee for the Dutchman, who is also keen on a move to Anfield.
This is why Newcastle need to be forceful in their pursuit of Semedo.
The more time that goes on, the closer Van Dijk’s situation will come to being resolved, and Southampton’s aims will become clearer.
The Metro reported last month that Southampton are not giving up on keeping Van Dijk, which is why a whopping £60 million price tag has been touted in the hope of deterring suitors.
If Liverpool are able to push through a move for Van Dijk, it will make Semedo an absolute top priority for Southampton.
Newcastle need to ensure that by time that happens, the Portuguese defender is already off the market and at St James’ Park.
Ruben Semedo tracks Cristiano Ronaldo
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