Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk is very close to joining Chelsea according to transfer market expert Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Dutchman is, according to Express Sport, manager Antonio Conte's top target in this summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old was a target for Liverpool but the Reds have ended interest for the player over an alleged illegal approach for him.
The Blues are in desperate need to strengthen the defensive department after the departure of John Terry.
Meanwhile, Neil Lennon, who was the one to sign the defender when at Celtic, is convinced that he can go on to become one of the best players in the world.
"Can he be the world's best? Yes," he is quoted as saying by the Liverpool Echo.
"I think he could play for Barcelona, I think he could play for Real Madrid - it wouldn't surprise me if he took his career on to those pathways.
"The first day he came into Celtic I pulled him to one side after training and said 'you enjoy yourself here because you're not going to be here long'.
"I couldn't believe we got him for £2m. He was outstanding. I couldn't believe that none of the big clubs took a bite at him before Southampton."
