Chelsea end interest in Southampton star Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool ready to give up too
CHELSEA have reportedly ended their interest in Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk.
Posted Tuesday, July 25, 2017 by Express.co.uk
Chelsea have ended their interest in Southampton star Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool ready to give up
Van Dijk, 26, has been heavily linked with a move away from Southampton throughout this summer.
The Dutch international only signed a new six-year contract in May last year, but he has been told by new Saints boss Maurico Pellegrino to train on his own.
Van Dijk is apparently not in the 'right frame of mind' to be with the rest of the squad.
And Chelsea and Liverpool are apparently keen on swooping for the former Celtic man.
However, The London Evening Standard claim the Blues have ended their interest in Van Dijk.
It is said the Premier League champions are confident of making three to four more signings before the transfer window closes next month.
Conte has so far signed Willy Caballero, Antonio Rudiger, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Alvaro Morata.
But the Italian boss admitted last week that his squad is lacking depth and they are in danger of failing to compete with the likes of Manchester City, who have spent £230million new signings.
The chances of bringing Van Dijk to Stamford Bridge appears to be dead in the water though.
Conte supposedly made the defender his first-choice to improve his backline, but The London Evening Standard say they have been scared off by Southampton's determination not to sell.
Liverpool, who renewed their interest in Van Dijk despite having to publicly apologise for apparently illegally pursuing him, are also ready to give up the chase too.
Van Dijk made 30 appearances across all competitions for Southampton last season and scored four goals.
He is contracted to the club until the summer of 2022 and is valued at around £60million.
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