Manchester City have held talks with Southampton over signing Virgil van Dijk, according to reports.
The Netherlands international was wanted by Liverpool in the summer but the club were forced to issue a public apology to Southampton after details of Jurgen Klopp’s extensive pursuit of the defender were made public.
The Guardian reports that Pep Guardiola has now informed City’s hierarchy that he wants Van Dijk to be signed alongside Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal.
And City have already acted on Guardiola’s advice by getting in touch with Southampton to find out the Dutchman’s availability.
Van Dijk had submitted a transfer request in the summer and it’s reported that a bid of £60 million would be enough to pursuade Southampton to sell.
More: Football
Guardiola views the 26-year-old as the long-term replacement for Vincent Kompany, who has played just seven Premier League games this season and is currently sidelined with a muscular injury.
Chelsea are also in the running to sign Van Dijk and earlier this month, Antonio Conte warned that City should not be allowed a free run at signing the Dutch defender.
‘Every team, every club, must pay great attention,’ said the Chelsea manager.
‘Because if a club like Manchester City takes all the best [players], it will be very difficult for us to fight. Not only in England but in Europe.’
More: Liverpool FC
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