Chelsea confident of Van Dijk deal

Chelsea are confident that they will win the race to sign Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk in the summer, beating Manchester City in the process. If either team is to succeed in signing the Dutch centre back, they will have to pay in the region of £50 million. 

Virgil van Dijk was a star of Scottish Premier League team Celtic before making the move to the Premier League to join Southampton. The step up has been easy for him, performing consistently to a high standard for the Saints, with the ability to pose an attacking threat along with his defensive duties. 

These performances have not gone unnoticed, leading to the Premier League's top teams to enquire about him. Reports in the Daily Mirror today are saying that Chelsea are now confident that they have beaten any competition, leaving them in poll position to sign the Holland star. Despite having a strong back line already, Chelsea are keen to continue strengthening and will also be looking to replace long term defender John Terry, who appears to be set to end his time with the club. 

With time to go until the transfer window, it would be no surprise to see Manchester City return with a new bid, due to their defensive frailties that have cost them several times this season. Guardiola will be desperate to launch a serious title challenge next season whilst also progressing further in the Champions League.