Chelsea frontrunners to land £50m Liverpool target Virgil van Dijk this summer

Chelsea are reportedly hopeful of pulling off a deal to sign Netherlands international defender Virgil van Dijk this summer, according to the Evening Standard.

The Premier League champions, who have already landed goalkeeper Willy Caballero (Manchester City), defender Antonio Rudiger (Roma), midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko (Monaco) and striker Alvaro Morata (Real Madrid) this transfer window, look destined to battle with rivals Liverpool for the Southampton star’s signature.

The 26-year-old, who has 12 international caps for his country, scored four goals in 30 appearances in all competitions for The Saints last season.

Van Dijk, who arrived at St Mary’s Stadium back in September 2015 following his reported £13m switch from Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, started training alone last month after telling the South coast outfit he wished to leave this summer transfer window.

Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk.

The report suggests Blues boss Antonio Conte is preparing a £50m raid for the Dutchman, despite Southampton insisting their prized asset is not for sale.

However, after The Saints complained to the Premier League about Liverpool’s alleged tapping up of the defender, The Blues have been installed as frontrunners to push through a deal for the wantaway centre-half.