Manchester City’s defense is in need of a revamp, given that they have only kept three clean sheets from their opening 17 games this season. They currently occupy third, but their campaign so far has been a mess.
As a result, rumors claiming that the Citizens are in search of a new defender come as little surprise. Just as they did when they signed John Stones, Pep Guardiola will look within the Premier League for his next signing. According to the Daily Mail, that man will likely be Virgil van Dijk.
The British publication report that “discreet talks” have occurred between Man City and the Dutch center-back, with the Citizens willing to pay as much as £50m for the 25-year-old. They hope to wrap up the deal by January, but the Premier League giants are aware that the deal would most likely go through only in the summer.
With that in mind, a picture of Van Dijk in a Man City jersey won’t sit well with the Saints’ fans. However, there is a good reason as to why he is sporting a rival’s kit: it was given to him as a Secret Santa gift.
Team-mate Jose Fonte posted the picture on Instagram, as he posed with the Citizens target and several other Southampton players in funny costumes. Check it out in the picture below.
Southampton will be in action on Wednesday, as they face a tricky clash with Tottenham on Wednesday. Pep Guardiola’s boys will be in action on Monday, as they travel to Hull City.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
