Chelsea have moved into pole position in the race for Southampton centre-half Virgil Van Dijk, with the Saints considering Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho as a replacement.

Van Dijk will be one of the most sought after players this summer with his club anticipating bids in excess of £50 million – which would eclipse any previous Premier League fee for a central defender. Southampton will certainly want more than the £47.5m Manchester City paid Everton for John Stones last season.

City are the most realistic rivals to the current league leaders for Van Dijk’s signature. He will have his pick of Premier League clubs but at this stage Chelsea are leading the chase for the Dutchman.