Guardiola demands signing of Chelsea’s £60m-rated target

Rumours are now suggesting that Manchester City have indeed entered talks with Southampton over the signing of Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman was very close to signing for Liverpool last summer, but the Reds took an illegal approach by tapping him up which angered Southampton.

Reports are now claiming that Pep Guardiola has demanded the signing of the centre-back and City have seemingly acted on their manager’s request by making contact with the Saints.

Southampton’s star defender has not been at his brilliant best this season, but he is still highly regarded by some of the Premier League’s top sides.

The Dutchman would reportedly cost at least £60 million to the successful bidder, a sum that would not be too much for City especially if they land Alexis Sanchez for free next summer.

Per the source, Guardiola sees Van Dijk as the lon- term replacement for his captain Vincent Kompany who has struggled with injuries lately.

Antonio Conte is also a keen admirer of the defender, and earlier this month he claimed it would not be healthy for City to be allowed to sign all the top talents.