Juventus are prepared to rival Premier League side Liverpool in the race to sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton, reports the Daily Mirror.
The Dutch defender was heavily linked with a move away from Saints over the summer, only for the south coast side to remain firm on their stance over the centre-back.
Van Dijk was keen to secure a move to Liverpool during the transfer window, while Chelsea and Manchester City both registered an interest in the 26-year-old.
The Saints star hasn’t made a competitive appearance since January following injury, but his list of admirers is still long, with Van Dijk considered one of the best in his position in the Premier League.
However, Liverpool could face competition from Juventus in the battle to sign Van Dijk, with the Serie A giants looking to improve at the back.
Juventus sold Leonardo Bonucci to AC Milan earlier in the summer and with Andrea Barzagli’s advancing years, head coach Max Allegri is looking to add another centre-back to the ranks.
Van Dijk still has five years left to run on his current deal at St. Mary’s and would take a huge offer to convince Saints into selling their star defender.
