Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer
Virgil van Dijk is a name that will run throughout this summer's transfer market - and he is almost certain to end up at Liverpool after it emerged that is his preferred destination.
Manchester City did have an interest in the 25-year-old but I gather they were never, ever in the market at anywhere near the sort of fee Liverpool are prepared to pay, which could end up being in excess of £60m.City are looking at possibilities in the central defensive positions, but with captain Vincent Kompany returning to form and fitness and with John Stones also on course to be fully fit for the start of next season, it is not a top priority and Van Dijk was not on what might be termed their "A List" of targets.
Liverpool will now push on with trying to agree a deal with Southampton to secure what they will regard as their marquee signing of the summer ahead of their return to the Champions League.利記
