Chelsea fans are thrilled by reports that the club are closing in on the signing of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman was thought to be on his way to Liverpool, but after being accused of tapping up the 25-year-old, the Merseyside outfit issued an apology and withdrew their interest.

That seemingly opened the door for the Blues, who according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, have placed Van Dijk at the top of their wishlist.

The reporter has stated that the Premier League champions plan to spend £60m on the defender, who has been at Southampton for the past two years.

If the transfer does materialise, then the first-team places of Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta and David Luiz will be called into question.

The trio managed to adapt to Conte's 3-4-3 system, but if Van Dijk joins, then he is likely to be thrown into the starting lineup.

Plenty of Chelsea fans are delighted by the prospect of bringing the defender to Stamford Bridge this summer.