Five players that Pep Guardiola should target to ensure Manchester City are at the top next season

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Virgil van Dijk – Southampton

Perhaps Manchester City’s prime defensive target during the summer transfer window comes in the shape of Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk, and The Times claim that Guardiola is primed to swoop.

The Dutch international is a strong and physical presence in the heart of the defence, and at 25-years-old he’s experienced enough to help the likes of John Stones grow and reach their potential.

Being promoted to captain at St Mary’s also shows that there’s an innate leadership in him, and in a City defence that struggled for the vast majority of last season this could prove to be a big plus point.

However, Sky Sports report that interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea could drive the asking price up to as high as £70 million, and this could prove damaging for a potential move to the Etihad.