Antonio Conte: We must compete with Man City for best players

By Joe Shread

Monday 18 December 2017 13:05, UK

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says other clubs need to compete with Manchester City in the transfer market, and has warned that teams across Europe could suffer if they fail to do so.

City are reportedly interested in signing Southampton's Virgil van Dijk with the January window approaching, and Pep Guardiola says he is in discussions with director of football Txiki Begiristain over plans to sign a new centre-half.

Conte, however, has warned that City's rivals cannot allow them to sign their transfer targets unchallenged.

He said: "Every team, every club, must pay great attention, because if a club like Manchester City takes all the best [players], it will be very difficult for us to fight.

"Not only in England but in Europe."

Van Dijk handed in a transfer request in the summer to try and force through a move from St Mary's, and Liverpool were reported to the Premier League by Southampton for their approaches to try and sign the Dutchman.

The 26-year-old previously added to the speculation that he could leave in January, saying: "Halfway through the season, maybe we can see what's possible."