Virgil Van Dijk, the Dutch defender of Southampton, has been in good form of late. Currently being sidelined with an injury, the youngster is one of the highest rated defenders to play in the Premier League currently. A number of clubs along with current League leaders Chelsea are on his trail to rope in the defender for the next season.
Reportedly, Merseyside club Everton is the latest club to have burst into the scene to secure the services of the Dutch defender. Ronald Koeman is looking to revamp his side with fresh legs, and Van Dijk is one of the players on the top of his priority list. The Dutchman believes his compatriot can be the answer to Everton’s defensive woes for the next season.
However, the huge price tag on the defender can be a determinant factor for Everton to pull out of the race. Reportedly, Southampton has valued the Toffees’ cherished target at £55 million and will be negotiating terms only if the demanded amount is matched by the bid. Ronald Koeman is reluctant to spend so much money to acquire one particular individual for the next season.
A fresh injury update on the Dutch international has confirmed the fact that the defender will not be returning to first team action before the next season. However, this has not decreased his demand one bit in the transfer market this season.
If Everton goes on with the deal, it will be £5 million more than what Manchester City had paid to secure the services of defender John Stones from Everton. Southampton, meanwhile, is in no mood to let go off Van Dijk for anything lesser than the aforementioned amount.
Ability to hold onto the ball for a very long time and intercept passes played in between the opponent players make Virgil Van Dijk a prized possession for the Saints. The Dutch defender is excellent in winning aerial duels and has the uncanny ability to shrug off the opposition players with his dribbling skills. The defender also excels in keeping the opponent strikers at bay by clearing out dangerous balls played into his team’s defensive area. His massive presence in the defence is enough to give relief to any team.
Meanwhile, Everton’s arch rivals on the opposite side of the city, Liverpool, have also put in their name as potential takers of the Dutch defender. This saga is set to be a protracted one come the transfer window.
