Chelsea now seemingly leading the race for Virgil van Dijk

In another shock twist, it’s now believed that the champions are leading the race for the Dutch defender.

Virgil van Dijk’s Southampton future has been one of the most-talked topics in English football this summer, which culminated with the club threatening to report the Reds over their ‘tapping up’ of the highly-rated Dutchman.

However some sources are now suggesting that in light of all this Chelsea have become favourites to sign the former Celtic man, in a deal that would not only be their record transfer but would also make van Dijk the most expensive defender of all time.

Earlier this week the fee discussed was around 68 million euros, something which has scrutinized,  partially due to the fact that the defender as spent much of the past four to five months out with an injury.

Chelsea’s current transfer record was the infamous signing of Fernando Torres for £50 million, meaning any deal for VVD would smash that.

Southampton are adamant that they will not sell their star man this summer, especially after awarding him a six-year deal last summer and making him team captain at the turn of this year.

But his ball-playing ability, leadership skills and general quality as a defender sets him apart from most in the league, and if Southampton were to keep hold of him it’d be seen as a massive coup for the eighth-placed finishing side.

Chelsea are keen to add to their defense with John Terry having left and Kurt Zouma set for a season-long loan away from the club. They have also been heavily linked with Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci whilst they are reportedly preparing a bid for Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko.