Report: Van Dijk set for Chelsea move; Southampton eyeing Liverpool's Sakho

Chelsea has emerged as the new favourites to land centre-back Virgil Van Dijk this summer, while Southampton has already identified Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho, who's on loan at Crystal Palace, as a possible replacement for the Dutch international, according to Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph.

Competition for Van Dijk will likely be among England's elite as Southampton isn't expected to consider offers worth less than £50 million, a figure that would surpass the highest Premier League fee ever paid for a centre-back.

Manchester City, who paid a similar fee to sign John Stones from Everton, has previously been linked with a move for the 25-year-old, but could now miss out on Van Dijk as Chelsea is now understood to be the front-runners to secure his signature.

Earlier this season, reports suggested Van Dijk could be included in a summer overhaul at Chelsea that would see the likes of himself, Moussa Dembele from Celtic, and Alvaro Morata of Real Madrid arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer.

Van Dijk signed a new six-year contract in May, but has been plagued by injuries this term, with his most recent knock keeping him out of action since January when he damaged his ankle.

Meanwhile, the Saints appear to be preparing themselves for life without Van Dijk, with Bascombe suggesting Southampton will return to the bargaining table with Liverpool over a possible move for Sakho.

Southampton representatives reportedly attempted to sign the French defender in January before ending talks after learning of Liverpool's £20-million asking price.

Sakho - who fell out of favour with Reds manager Jurgen Klopp last summer during a preseason trip - eventually joined Palace on loan and has helped Palace keep three clean sheets in his three appearances for the club.

Southampton isn't expected to be alone during its reported pursuit of Sakho, as Napoli could also join the race in an effort to prepare for the possible exit of centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly this summer.