Man City now clear favourites for Southampton ace’s signature
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He’s undoubtedly been one of the standout players in the Premier League so far this season, and now it looks as though Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk is set to swap the south-coast for the North West next month.
Our traders now make it just a 11/4 shot that Manchester City secure a deal for the Dutch defender, with the Saints willing to part ways with their main centre-half for a fee of £50m.
Pep Guardiola has already spent in excess of £180m on new arrivals since taking over at the Etihad back in the summer, as he continues to add a blend of youth and experience into his side.
But there’s still one area of the field where City are lacking real quality – and that’s the back four.
However, the arrival of Van Dijk – who has been the subject of a move to Liverpool and Man United in recent weeks – would certainly be a step in the right direction for the two-time Premier League champions.
Arriving from Celtic back in 2015 for roughly £13m, the 25-year-old Netherlands international has since played every minute of Premier League football for the Saints, forming a solid partnership with Euro 2016 winner, Jose Fonte.
But with Claude Puel’s men having already crashed out of the Europa League, and struggling to find form domestically, it’s thought Van Dijk is already looking for a new challenge.
But despite there being a whole host of potential suitors, it’s City who lead the way in the race for his signature.
A Ladbrokes spokesperson said: “Van Dijk is a wanted man right now, but the latest odds are suggesting Pep’s City will be his next destination.”
What do supporters think? Would Van Dijk strengthen City’s back-line, and is he worth £50m?
Have your say in the comments section below!
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
