Chelsea have moved into pole position in the race for Southampton centre-half Virgil Van Dijk, with the Saints considering Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho as a replacement.

Van Dijk will be one of the most sought after players this summer with his club anticipating bids in excess of £50 million – which would eclipse any previous Premier League fee for a central defender. Southampton will certainly want more than the £47.5m Manchester City paid Everton for John Stones last season.

City are the most realistic rivals to the current league leaders for Van Dijk’s signature. He will have his pick of Premier League clubs but at this stage Chelsea are leading the chase for the Dutchman.

Chelsea are currently thriving under Antonio Conte with his preferred system of three centre-halves, a formation that would suit Van Dijk given his ability to play out of defence. With John Terry unlikely to be offered a new contract at Stamford Bridge, a top quality replacement is a priority.

Van Dijk has been absent since January with a foot injury and is struggling to play again this season. It could be he has played his game for the club as Southampton are already planning to fill the void when the 25-year-old departs. Chelsea’s Nathan Ake could head in the opposite direction. He is valued at £15 million.