Manchester City are planning a £50million swoop for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.

Discreet talks over a move for the Holland star have taken place over the last two weeks as City position themselves to get a deal done next month.

Van Dijk, 25, is aware of City's interest and would find it difficult to resist the lure of Champions League football.

Manchester City are working on a £50million deal to sign Southampton's Virgil van Dijk

Pep Guardiola is targeting the Dutchman to help shore up his leaky City defence

City's director of football Txiki Begiristain is working on the deal, but if he is unable to do business with Saints next month, the club will continue to monitor Van Dijk's progress ahead of another attempt next summer.

Pep Guardiola's side are beset with defensive problems, having kept just three clean sheets in 17 league games, and the City boss is keen to strengthen his back line next month.

Guardiola wants a central defender with Premier League experience who can go straight into the first team.

Southampton hope to keep their prized asset until at least the summer, but a bid of around £50m could force a change of heart.

Southampton signed the 25-year-old Van Dijk for £13million from Celtic

That would represent a significant profit on the £13m Saints paid Celtic for Van Dijk in September 2015 and the club have shown before that they are prepared to sell their best players for the right price.

However, Saints are only willing to off-load one of their first-choice centre backs next month, which could scupper Manchester United's expected move for Jose Fonte. Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho remains keen on signing his Portuguese compatriot, despite closing in on Benfica's Victor Lindelof.

Guardiola has high hopes for academy product Tosin Adarabioyo, 19, and will not hesitate to give the defender more game time if he fails to land Van Dijk next month.

Meanwhile, City have told Sevilla that Samir Nasri will cost £21m if they wish to make his loan permanent.