Netherlands' exit from the World Cup could help AC Milan accelerate efforts to sign Virgil van Dijk liverpool in this summer.
Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Luca Bianchin reports today on the 34-year-old Interview with Milan News.
Milan Liverpool captain's dream
Reports over the past few weeks have highlighted that Milan are dreaming of signing Virgil van Dijk from Liverpool this summer. He is not the only lover either.
The Italian side are planning major changes to their squad and as proof of this they have already spent big on the deal for striker Goncalo Ramos.
Milan News now report that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been mulling over the Dutch centre-back since the spring. Any deal would be complicated to say the least, but Van Dijk's future at Anfield is currently in doubt with only one year left on his deal.
Now Bianchin has provided further details on what is going on behind the scenes, including whether Milan will actually make a move for the Liverpool captain.
When asked if the move was just a consideration for Ibrahimovic, he said, "It's hard to say."
"In La Gazzetta, we reported what we had heard: in the spring, Ibrahimovic spoke openly within the club about his desire to bring Van Dijk to Milan, and the idea reached the Cardinal. From here, it will depend on the cost assessment and any reaction from Virgil and Liverpool."
union ambition
However, he insists Milan have the desire and ambition to sign a player like the Dutchman for new manager Ruben Amorim. This is because of the change strategy behind the scenes.
"The Cardinal changed his approach in the summer, as everyone saw: he stopped delegating and started taking action," he said.
"Not just making decisions – himself, after consulting with his team. Goncalo Ramos shows that some parameters have changed and there is a desire to prove that he can do well."
tough deal
Despite Virgil van Dijk's current contract situation, any deal is likely to be difficult to make. But Bianchin believes talks could not progress further due to the Netherlands' exit from the World Cup.
“Of course, there are many obstacles,” he concluded.
"Van Dijk's signing fee, Liverpool's stance – having already lost Konate – and Virgil's views on his future. The Netherlands' exit from the World Cup could, at least, hasten the process.
"As far as we know, there are no negotiations going on at present. It's just that Ibrahimovic and the club are willing to consider the move."
