Chelsea are ready to push Manchester City all the way for the signing of Virgil van Dijk- with Celtic cashing in on the sell on clause for their former defender.
With City 11 points clear of Manchester City and threatening to go through the season unbeaten there are real fears in England that their big spending clubs are going to be sunk by the petrol money flowing into the Etihad from Abu Dhabi.
Last week City were reported to be lining up a £70m bid for Van Dijk who will be the centre of attention for the third successive transfer window.
The prospect of Pep Guardiola strengthening his squad even more isn’t worth thinking about for the other contenders with Antonio Conte articulating the concerns of many.
“Every team, every club, must pay great attention,” the Chelsea boss told the Daily Mail. “Because if a club like Manchester City takes all the best [players], it will be very difficult for us to fight. Not only in England but in Europe.”
Liverpool had seemed favourites to sign van Dijk but their approach in the summer infuriated Southampton who forced Jurgen Klopp’s side into making a public apology and dropping their interest.
If City make a formal offer for the former Celt no one else in England will be able to match the fee offered to Southampton and the terms to the player although a Chelsea bid would push the fee upwards.
Celtic sold van Dijk for £10m in August 2015 and are believed to be due at least a 10% cut in any profit from a future transfer.