As Chelsea prepare for a return to the UEFA Champions League, boss Antonio Conte has made signing Southampton defender, Virgil Van Dijk his number one priority.
Many within the Blues believe they have beaten off competition from Man City to sign the £50 million Dutch man.
Chelsea are prepared to pay more than his valuation if that is what is required to sign the player who has been scouted by other Premier League sides, Man City, Liverpool and Everton.
You may recall that the interest from Man City was made an open secret when a mystery team mate bought the defender a Man City jersey as a gift in a secret Santa wind-up last year.
Man City want to shore up their defence further after spending £47 million on England international John Stones last season.
Southampton are famous for being a selling club and left Van Dijk unhappy when they sold his defence partner Jose Fonte last January.
Although they have insisted that Van Dijk is not for sale, clubs know that with the Saints they can sign any player with the right offer.