Man City, Liverpool to battle for Van Dijk

Manchester City and Liverpool will reportedly go head-to-head for the services of Virgil van Dijk in the New Year. The Southampton defender has a £25m buy-out clause in his current contract.

Van Dijk, 25, is currently the most in-form defender in the Premier League, and his performances have attracted interest from a host of top English clubs.

Dutch source De Telegraaf claims that both the Citizens and the Reds have been closely watching the central defender, and it could be the two vying for the player's signature in January.

The duo have had defensive frailties this season, and the arrival of Van Dijk to either club would provide a huge boost to their title challenge.

Liverpool have previously recruited key players in Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren and Sadio Mane from the South Coast, and this gives them the edge in the pursuit of the Dutchman.