Virgil Van Dijk has told Southampton he wants to join Chelsea this summer, snubbing interest from Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

The 25-year-old has emerged as one of the stand-out central defenders in the Premier League and has seen the interest grow massively.

Football INDEX Talk – Virgil Van Dijk looks like one of the more appealing defenders in the INDEX and with a big move on the cards, £1.78 looks a very tempting price…CLICK HERE to play and start winning

Southampton will not stand in his way, as their valuation of £50million will be met by all the clubs interested.

I have been told that Van Dijk’s representatives have met with a number of clubs – with the Saints knowing this was happening – and following talks, Chelsea are the side that appeals most to the Dutchman.

Subject to the deal being finalised between the clubs, I understand that van Dijk will be heading to Stamford Bridge and he has informed Southampton of his decision.

Van Dijk joined Southampton in 2015 from Celtic for just over £12million – and although the Scottish champions are due some money from the deal – The Saints are going to see a very healthy profit.

I understand Southampton have asked about the possibility of taking either Andreas Christensen or Nathan Ake in the deal, and although Chelsea are not willing to include either from the off – a loan deal could yet happen.

We caught up with BetVictor’s Head of ante post Football Michael Triffitt about the odds surrounding Van Dijk.

“Interest in Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk continues to mount and only this morning the market has taken a roller coast twist,” he told The GamblingTimes.com.

“Both Chelsea and Liverpool have been touted and well supported . That pair now trade as 13/8 joint favourites in the race to capture the Dutch international with the champions elect initially popular at 5/1 in our opening show attracting more support at 2/1 today. Pool would certainly benefit with some steel at the back which has been their Achilles’ heel this term and punters have taken the 4/1 forcing the price change.”

Football INDEX is a stockmarket game where players, known as Traders, take a position on the “future success” of footballers with real money – CLICK HERE to play and start winning