Pep Guardiola instructed Manchester City to prioritse Alexis Sanchez transfer over deal for Virgil van Dijk
Pep Guardiola instructed Manchester City to prioritise a deal for Alexis Sanchez over any possible move for new Liverpool signing Virgil van Dijk, according to reports.
Van Dijk completed a stunning £75million move to Anfield at the start of the month as Jurgen Klopp finally signed the Dutch defender in a deal that eclipsed the £53m City paid for Kyle Walker.
The Reds were desperate to sign Van Dijk last summer but had to pull out of negotiations after being accused of ‘tapping-up’. Man City expressed interest in the 26-year-old at the time and were expected to revive their interest in January.
But Guardiola chose pursuing a deal for Arsenal forward Sanchez over strengthening his defensive options at the Etihad, according to The Sun.
The Gunners want £35m for Sanchez this month and City may yet decide to sign the Chilean on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Van Dijk enjoyed a ‘dream’ start to his career at Anfield after scoring the winner against rivals Everton in the third round of the FA Cup.
‘Playing at Anfield for Liverpool is a dream for every player – I think,’ he said. ‘That’s come true and scoring a goal is even more special.
‘What a night, fully deserved – obviously. It felt amazing to be out there, playing with these guys. The goal was very special for me and obviously for my family as well.’
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