Manchester City Transfer News: Virgil van Dijk Rumours, Latest on Vitolo

Manchester City have reportedly made Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk their top defensive target this summer, although the club are said to be ready to opt out of any deal if Monaco starlet Kylian Mbappe becomes available.

According to Sam Lee of Goal, City want to add Van Dijk to their squad and are said to be ready to part with £50 million to get him on board. However, it's noted Mbappe represents a fantasy capture for City manager Pep Guardiola and would reportedly take priority.

"There is a possibility that City may yet decide not to sign a centre-back at all in the coming months, should they decide to go all in for Mbappe," noted Lee. It's suggested City would not be willing to meet Monaco's £110 million asking price for the Monaco youngster "but there remains a hope that any deal can be arranged for a lower fee."

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Given their defensive woes last season, the sensible signing for City would undoubtedly be Van Dijk, who was supreme for Saints before his season-ending injury in January. As noted by Squawka Football, Van Dijk is a colossal presence at the back:

The Netherlands international is exactly the type of footballer the team needs too. Not only is Van Dijk a dominant defensive influence, his quality on the ball would make him an ideal fit for Guardiola.

Mbappe would too, as he is the most exciting prospect in world football. However, with so many attacking players at the Etihad already, it's not a deal that would count as a necessity for City as things stand.

City need to be careful they don't take their eye off the ball in pursuit of Van Dijk either. Bleacher Report's Dean Jones recently suggested Chelsea are also interested in the centre-back:

Although there may be some small doubts surrounding Van Dijk following his recent injury layoff, he's been indomitable when fit in the Premier League.

Given Vincent Kompany remains a major doubt due to his fitness problems, Nicolas Otamendi being erratic and John Stones still developing, the Southampton man would potentially be the most important signing City make in the window.

Vitolo Denies City Approach

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Sevilla's Vitolo has dismissed reports suggesting Manchester City have made a move for him but hinted his future may be away from the La Liga club.

"Manchester City is a great team that has grown in recent years but, for the time being, there is nothing with this team," he told La Provincia (h/t Adriana Garcia of ESPN FC). "I don't know what will happen as not only Atletico [Madrid] is interested, there are other teams. We will see what happens."

Vitolo joined the Andalusian club from Las Palmas in 2013 and has grown into a key part of the Sevilla side, offering a dynamic outlet on either flank.

However, as Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge noted, the Sevilla winger didn't finish the campaign in the best form:

City have so many options to call upon out wide. In 2017-18 Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling will be jostling for spots on the flanks, while Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus can also do excellent jobs on either side. Adding another player in that position would feel a little indulgent.

At 27, the move Vitolo makes next in his career will be a decisive one as he'll be giving that club what should be his peak years. It's important he's sure he'll get minutes should he depart Sevilla, something City would be unable to guarantee due to the options aforementioned.