Manchester City and Liverpool battle it out for Virgil Van Dijk

Liverpool may have suffered another blow in the pursuit of long-term target Southampton defender Virjil Van Dijk.

There was a lot of uncertainty with respect to his future during the summer, with the Reds boss eager to bring him to Anfield.

The Dutchman almost made the move before Liverpool were forced to apologize after becoming  embroiled in a tapping up scandal with Southampton.

But now, Manchester City have also entered the race, as Pep Guardiola looks to bolster his backline for the second half of the season.

City are now in the market looking for a new centre-back and have reportedly made the 26-year old a target among two other-with Real Sociedad’s Inigo Martinz and Lazio’s Stephan de Vrij.

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City made an unsuccessful approach for him during the summer, as well as targeting several other defenders such as Bonucci and de Vrij.

But it seems they are prepared to rival Liverpool as Guardiola remains sceptical about the fitness of Vincent Kompany and John Stones.

Liverpool are also looking towards De Vrij as an alternative, with the Dutch international out of contract next summer.

Lazio would try salvage some money from him, if he fails to sign a contract extension.

The prospect of City adding Van Dijk in January is a scary prospect for the rest of the Premier league.

Guardiola’s side are already well and truly the best in the league and look certain to lift the Premier League title come May.

Barring a miracle City will become champions of England for the third time in recent times, as the blue side of Manchester are well are streets ahead of anyone else.

Their 2-1 win at Old Trafford last week was a huge win as many people cannot see Guardiola’s side conceding such a huge lead over their rivals.

And no doubt the signature of Van Dijk will go a long way in ensuring Pep’s first league title in England!