Chelsea are looking to beat Liverpool in the race for Southampton star Virgil van Dijk, according to reports.

Initially, the Reds were in the driving seat for his signature but are now lagging behind Chelsea, according to the Sun.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has approached the Board to sign new players following their dismal performance against Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday.

The Blues are preparing a 60 million pounds bid to convince Southampton to sell the Netherlands international defender to the club.

Virgil van Dijk has been banished from the Saints first team and is currently training on his own, amid speculations linking him with a departure from St Mary's Stadium.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit: southamptonfc.com