Chelsea are set to hijack the Reds move for Dutchman Virgil Van Dijk, according to reports from the Sun. The Blues are set to make a £50million bid for the Saints defender, Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte is ready to swoop for the Dutchman before the new season kicks off, reports the Times. Chelsea wants to capitalize on the Reds poor relationship with the Saints and are hoping it works out to their own advantage. Liverpool are known to sign Southampton key players over the past few years, after purchasing the likes of Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne, and Sadio Mane from the Saints.
Recently, the Anfield club issued a public apology to Southampton after being accused of “tapping up” by the Saints, in which prompted the Reds to publicly end their interest in the Dutchman.
Southampton boss, Mauricio Pellegrino has reiterated his stance on the the player and has insisted the Dutchman is not for sale, but according to reports, the Reds are still front-runners to sign the former Celtic centre-back. Van Dijk has been training alone after telling Mauricio Pochettino he wants to leave the club, he was dropped for the Saints pre-season tour in France as the manager declared him not in the right mindset to play.
He is expected to miss the Saints opening match in the Premier league next weekend due to lack of match rhythm and fitness. Antonio Conte is looking to make him his fifth signing, after letting youngsters such as Nathan Ake and Kurt Zouma join Bournemouth and Stoke City respectively.