With the Premier League title all but locked up in the Stamford Bridge trophy room once again, thoughts of many fans will be turning to the summer and just how manager Antonio Conte could further improve the side he has built.

One of the very rare low points this season was the loss at White Hart Lane in which Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli managed to do what many have failed to, find a weakness in the Italian’s system and exploit it.

The space found between the less physically imposing pair of Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses will have worried the former Juventus manager and, whilst the former has performed to an exemplary level this season, Conte will undoubtedly be looking to bring in another natural centre-half to complete that three ahead of a return to European football next term.

One name which will certainly occupy the headlines this summer is that of Southampton captain Virgil van Dijk who is still only 25 years old but plays with the maturity and poise of man with many years more experience. Before picking up an ankle injury in the Saints’ 3-0 win over champions Leicester City earlier this season the Dutchman was arguably the most in form defender in the Premier League as he was playing well above the level of those around him and he is solid in all aspects of the game – on the ball, in the air, plus he has speed and rarely if ever loses out in a one-on-one situation. The other massive advantage to van Dijk is that he is already quite familiar with the 3 at the back system favoured by the superb Chelsea boss so he looks like he would be an excellent addition to the Blues.

His performances were so impressive that manager Claude Puel named him first team captain after the departure of Jose Fonte to West Ham, despite the fact he only made the move to St. Mary’s last season.

The former Celtic man is on the wanted list at almost all top Premier League sides, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City also having been linked at one time or another this season. However, according to recent reports, the powers that be in west London feel that they have something to offer which could get them a deal ahead of the pack.

Not only the attraction of a move to the champions elect on a personal level, but a player Southampton have shown an interest in on a boardroom level.

The reports claim that the Blues are prepared to use Van Dijk’s compatriot – Nathan Ake as part of any deal to bring the Saints skipper to the Bridge, and, on the face of it, it looks something that could actually work.

The Saints know only too well the talents of the 22-year-old, who opened the scoring for his loan side Bournemouth when the two met earlier this season, before he was recalled by Antonio Conte. After a slow start to the season, Ake became a key part of Howe’s side and, although they were still shipping goals before he left, the sharp spike in goals conceded after he was recalled tells a lot about his qualities.

Puel and his staff will be well aware of his qualities and, given his presence and style of play could well see Ake as a natural successor to Van Dijk. As time moves on this looks increasingly like a deal which could work for both parties.