Southampton have placed a £60 million price-tag on star centre-back Virgil Van Dijk in a bid to ward of interest from their Premier League rivals, according to the Telegraph.
Van Dijk has emerged as one of the best defenders in the league for Southampton this campaign, and it is reportedly catching the eye of some of the biggest names in European football.
As per the Telegraph, Manchester City are willing to pay as much as £50 million to secure Van Dijk’s signature. Pep Guardiola’s side have been struggling defensively in recent weeks, and the dependable Dutch international would undoubtedly tighten things up at the back for City. The Telegraph also note Everton’s interest, but it is unlikely that the Toffees will be able to match City’s limitless spending power.
The Telegraph do claim, however, that £50 million may not be enough. They report that Southampton will demand as much as £60 million, a new world-record fee for a defender, if they are to let him go.
The race to sign Van Dijk appears to be hotting up as the days tick down to the January transfer window.