Manchester United, Man City and Everton locked in £40m battle for centre-back

Manchester United, Manchester City and Everton are all reportedly interested in signing Netherlands international defender Virgil van Dijk, according to the Mirror.

The Premier League trio, who currently sit sixth, third and seventh in the English top-flight table after their opening 13 fixtures respectively, have all been impressed with the Southampton’s centre-back’s performances this campaign.

The 25-year-old, who has 12 international caps for his country, has scored one goal in 18 appearances in all competitions for the Saints so far this season.

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Van Dijk, who arrived at St Mary’s Stadium from Scottish Premiership champions Celtic back in September 2015 for a reported £13m, is wanted by his former boss Ronald Koeman, who is now managing Everton.

However, The Toffees are joined in the chase for the Dutchman by both Manchester clubs, who are looking to bolster their defences in the new year, despite City signing ex-Everton star John Stones for a hefty £47.5m earlier this summer.

The report adds that Van Dijk, who only signed a new six-year deal with Southampton back in May, is valued at around £40m.