Chelsea look set to win the race for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk after Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dropped a huge hint about no longer pursuing the player.

The Dutchman has been linked with a move away from St Mary’s all summer and is currently training alone after telling boss Mauricio Pellegrino he wants out of the club. There is growing interest from clubs hoping to sign the 26-year-old, all of whom will need to foot at least £50m to sign him.

That figure seems too large for Jurgen Klopp, whose Liverpool side were the favourites to sign the centre back until Southampton accused them of ‘tapping up’ the player. In a recent interview, the German manager insisted that his side is already well equipped for defenders, with Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, Ragnar Klavan and Joe Gomez to choose from.

“We have four ­centre-backs. I don’t think we need more.” said Klopp.

“Just at the moment I’m fine. The transfer market is open until the 31st of August.”

“We cannot force things and we would never get a ­centre-back just because someone is available. Look out there and tell me five that would make us stronger. Then you win a prize! It’s difficult.”

“I’m happy. You can imagine we still work on different things and we will see if it works. I am here to work with this squad and not just always thinking, ‘But if we don’t get this or this’.” [Quotes via The Sun]

Liverpool’s poor relationship with Southampton following the apparent ‘tapping up’ of Van Dijk, added with Conte’s desperation for some new additions to the squad could see Chelsea have a clear run at capturing their man.

After a disappointing Community Shield loss to Arsenal on Sunday, the signing of Van Dijk could be a big boost as we head into the new season.