5 centre-backs Manchester City should target in the near future

#1 Virgil van Dijk (Southampton)

Virgil Van Dijk came close to moving to Liverpool in the summer

There is no need for any introduction needed for Virgil Van Dijk who is currently one of the hottest prospect available at the moment. The 26-year-old looks set to bid farewell to his teammates in January, after the comments from Southampton manager Mauricio Pelligrino indicating that the defender could be on his way out from St.Mary's.

Virgil Van Dijk is still a target for Liverpool, despite the latter being accused of allegedly tapping up the Dutch defender. But, the Saints could frustrate Liverpool by doing business with Manchester City, who are also very keen on securing his services.

But, Liverpool are still firm favourites to secure Van Dijk's services, as he too, is reportedly keen on moving to Anfield.

The towering Dutch defender is a product of Groningen's academy and later joined his national compatriot Ronald Koeman at Southampton in 2015 before having a three-year stint at Celtic. Van Dijk was the set-piece taker for Celtic and that is probably another reason why top heavyweights are after him.

Pep Guardiola was looking for defensive reinforcements even before John Stones' injury, as the Citizens are looking to stake it out in all competitions this season.

£70 million could feel like a rather steep asking price, but given the current inflation of players in the modern transfer windows, Pep should match Southampton's demands if the Citizens really want the Southampton defender.