Football transfer news and rumours: 'Virgil van Dijk spotted in London as Chelsea speculation ramps up'
A now-deleted Instagram photo of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk apparently in London has ratcheted up speculation that he could be on his way to Chelsea.
Van Dijk handed in a transfer request to Saints 10 days ago in a bid to force his way out, with both Liverpool and Chelsea keen to sign the Dutchman.
And exciteable fans are saying Chelsea have jumped to the front of the queue after a picture posted on Instagram by @philipuby entitled 'big dog' used the London location to show the pair were in the capital.
— Fahad (@Fhd_aij26) August 16, 2017
Antonio Conte is known to be after a new central defender, as well as a full-back, central midfielder and possibly a forward before the window closes.
However, before Blues supporters get too carried away, as The Mirror points out, Liverpool also have offices in London.
Tottenham are yet to sign anybody during this transfer window, and are instead fending off further interest in their current players.
The Sun reports that chairman Daniel Levy has warned that Dele Alli would not be sold even if £150 million was offered - news which will disappoint Barcelona and Manchester City.
They also appear to be in no mood to entertain Chelsea's interest in Danny Rose, according to The London Evening Standard.
North London rivals Arsenal are also doing their best to deter bidders interested in Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Daily Star reports Manchester City have bid £60 million for Sanchez, with The Express reporting a £45 million bid has already been rejected.
The Sun suggests Arsene Wenger has told Oxlade-Chamberlain he wants him to stay for a "long time" as Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United circle.
How much has your Premier League club spent in the 2017 summer transfer window?
It is no secret that United want Zlatan Ibrahimovic to re-sign when he has recovered from his knee injury, and The Independent says they will sweeten the deal with a little career development, offering the Swede a coaching role.
Tottenham are said to be interested in Barcelona's former Manchester City midfielder, Denis Suarez, reveals Mundo Deportivo.
And Gabriel, the Arsenal defender, could be about to join Valencia for £10 million after falling down the pecking order, claims The Mirror.
L'Equipe reveals that Chelsea pulled out of a deal for Paris St-Germain's Polish midfielder Grzegorz Krychowia because PSG were too busy handling the arrival of Neymar from Barcelona.
The Blues have not given up on signing Alex Sandro from Juventus, says The Evening Standard, but are relying on the Brazilian left-back handing in a transfer request after a £73 million bid was rejected.
New kits 17/18
And the rest
Carragher heading to the jungle?
Former England and Liverpool defender turned Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has revealed he has been asked to go on ITV's reality television show 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'
Finally!!!! pic.twitter.com/MgUhyGTAAs
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) August 16, 2017
Neymar protected by UFC fighter
Neymar has hired a UFC fighter as his personal bodyguard.
The Sun reports that Frenchman Nordine Taleb has been appointed the Brazilian's human shield to keep him out of danger in Paris.
