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Barcelona Eye Up £50 Million-Rated Premier League Star

Barcelona Eye Up £50 Million-Rated Premier League Star

Ernesto Valverde remains keen on bolstering his side.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Barcelona splashed the cash in the summer window following the mega-sale of Neymar, and they've now turned their attention to a Premier League star.

The Catalans failed in their pursuit of Philippe Coutinho, though they did secure the services of Borussia Dortmund's Ousmane Dembele while also snapping up Paulinho from the Chinese Super League.

Barcelona's £97 million man. Image: PA

But Ernesto Valverde remains keen on strengthening his squad, in particular his defence. And reports suggest he's targeting a move for a £50 million-rated defender.

Bad news, Liverpool.

It appears Barcelona are interested in signing Southampton's Virgil van Dijk per The Mirror. Jurgen Klopp was heavily linked with the Dutchman but he ultimately stayed at St. Mary's.

Is van Dijk set to switch clubs in the summer? Image: PA

It appeared Liverpool were close to sealing a deal for van Dijk, until the club was forced to apologise to Southampton as a result of the transfer saga which ended the potential move.

Liverpool continue to be muted with a switch. However, it's believed that Southampton would prefer to offload him abroad if he had to be sold.

van Dijk during Southampton's league clash against Stoke City. Image: PA

Barcelona sent scouts to watch van Dijk during international duty as the Netherlands faced Belarus and Sweden in World Cup qualifiers.

The 26-year-old rose to prominence in the Eredivisie with Groningen. Celtic subsequently signed him before Southampton tabled a reported £13 million bid.

van Dijk in action for the Netherlands. Images: PA

He's entering his third year with the Saints as he continues to get back to full fitness following injury.

While Southampton fended off offers from Liverpool and reportedly Chelsea, they may now have to brace themselves for a possible Barcelona bid.

van Dijk to Barcelona? Watch this space.

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Topics: Football News, Barcelona