Liverpool have long been linked with a move for Southampton’s Dutch centre-half Virgil van Dijk and it is believed that the defender is a £50million target for the Reds.

However, it looks like they could be overtaken by Manchester City as reports have emerged that Pep Guardiola has made the defender a priority this summer as he looks to overhaul his defence.

This should come as a blow for Liverpool as City’s financial strength is well-known. Manchester City have had their own share of defensive struggles, but not as much as Liverpool, who have the worst defensive record among the Premier League top-6.

Manchester City have conceded 35 goals in the league this season, which is only below Liverpool and Arsenal in the top-6. No wonder that they are looking to strengthen their defence. Manchester City signed John Stones from Everton in a big-money move last summer and it could be the case this season as well, as they target a move for Virgil van Dijk.

Van Dijk has been a revelation this season and has established himself as one of the best defenders in the league. He has shown amazing consistency for Southampton, who he joined in 2015. This has led to him being a target for a lot of top clubs and with Liverpool and Manchester City now being a part of the race; it could turn out to be an intense battle to sign the defender.

The Kop Times Verdict

Manchester City have had Vincent Kompany and John Stones out for a considerable period and this can be cited as the reason for their poor defensive performance this season. On the other hand, Liverpool have been lucky on the injury front and have had Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, and Ragnar Klavan available for a good chunk of time, but have struggled to keep the defence airtight.

Hence, it is Liverpool who really need some strengthening at the back and not Manchester City, who are only looking to sign the Dutchman as a luxury. It could be possible that Guardiola wants a young defender to partner John Stones, as Kompany and Otamendi have both touched their 30’s. With Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, and Aleksandar Kolarov not getting younger either, it could be a strong case of Pep trying to bring in a young defender to his back line by adding Van Dijk to the ranks.

It remains to be seen if Klopp decides to go for a transfer battle with Manchester City. However, things are still at an early stage as far as an official move is concerned.