Manchester City are eyeing up a big money move for Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk, according to the Daily Star on Sunday.
City boss Pep Guardiola is preparing for life beyond Vincent Kompany, who is currently sidelined with a knee problem.
And the Spaniard has demanded the club look to sign Saints star man Van Dijk as he looks to bolster the City defence.
The Dutchman is one of the best-rated centre-backs in the Premier League, with rivals Manchester United and Liverpool also interested in the 25-year-old.
Liverpool have signed no fewer than five players from Southampton since 2014, so the path from the south coast to Merseyside is a well trodden one.
Van Dijk penned a five-year deal when he signed for Saints from Celtic, so they can command a top fee for the defender, but know they face a fight on their hands to retain his services beyond the end of the season.
For more stats on Virgil van Dijk, click here to view his WhoScored player page
