Manchester City are reportedly planning a bid for Virgil van Dijk.
Virgil van Dijk of Southampton in action against Liverpool
According to The Mirror, Manchester City are preparing a January bid for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, rivalling Liverpool for his signature.
City have been strong defensively this season, but an injury to John Stones in the 2-0 weekend win over Leicester City – as well ongoing concerns over Vincent Kompany’s status – mean that Pep Guardiola’s options at the back have been dented.
Guardiola does still have Nicolas Otamendi, as well as fringe duo Eliaquim Mangala and Tosin Adarabioyo, but a move for a new centre back could be on the cards.
Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool and Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City
The Mirror report that City are preparing a January deal for Southampton star Virgil van Dijk, who has been featuring for the Saints this season despite his desire to leave the club over the summer.
The Dutch international has been one of the Premier League’s top centre backs since his 2015 move from Celtic, and City could now launch a £60million move for Van Dijk during the January transfer window.
Van Dijk, 26, was targeted by Liverpool for much of the summer, and whilst Jurgen Klopp allegedly still fancies a January move for the giant defender – with the Reds prepared to swoop – it’s now believed that City will rival them.
With Guardiola’s men looking like the favourites for the Premier League title, Van Dijk may be tempted by a move to the Etihad Stadium in order to chase a winner’s medal.
Yet with Liverpool clearly desperate to land him, the Reds may hope that the promise of a starring role at Anfield could still help them win the race for his signature.
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