Times: Chelsea to table £50m bid for PL enforcer, optimistic deal can be sealed in next seven days
By Aramide Oladipo
Chelsea are ready to splash the cash and table an incredible £50million offer for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk this summer, according to a report.
The Times claims that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has convinced the club to make an official bid for the 26-year-old as he is determined to beat league rivals Liverpool to his signature.
The newspaper claims that the Premier League champions are confident that a deal can be sealed for the defender in the next seven days before the start of the new campaign in a week’s time but Liverpool could yet make a formal bid for him in the coming weeks.
The report claims that Liverpool were leading the race to sign the enforcer but the Blues are looking to take advantage of the Reds’ recent poor relations with Southampton over the van Dijk situation.
It is said that the Saints threatened to report the Merseyside club to the Premier League after Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reportedly made an illegal approach for the defender.
Southampton are adamant that the club captain is not for sale but the Times reports that their stance could change should Chelsea submit a substantial offer.
The Dutchman’s current contract at St Mary’s runs out in 2022.
Football Insider verdict
Chelsea would surely have to be considered as favourites to retain their Premier League crown should they secure the signature of the Dutchman this summer. The Southampton man has been one of the most consistent performers in the top flight since securing a permanent move two years and he would certainly be the ideal replacement to fill John Terry’s boots at Stamford Bridge. The defender would also have no problems adjusting to playing Champions League football as he already has 19 matches under his belt during his spell with SPL champions Celtic. Beating league rivals Liverpool to van Dijk’s signature would also be a massive coup for the Blues as it sends out a clear message of intent before the start of the new campaign.
In other Chelsea news, a four-year deal was signed as this defender left the club.
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