Virgil van Dijk might not be the game's most expensive defender for much longer, with a host of top clubs set to sign centre-halves in the off-season

Sadio Mane correctly pointed out earlier this season that many pundits felt Liverpool had "over-paid" when they signed Virgil van Dijk from Southampton last year for £75 million ($99m).

However, the Dutchman has since made that record-breaking fee for a defender look like a bargain with his colossal displays for the Premier League title-chasing Reds.

What's more, other top clubs around Europe are now set to follow Liverpool's lead by spending big on centre-halves this summer.

For once, defenders, rather than attackers, look set to generate the highest transfer fees during upcoming transfer window.

Indeed, on Wednesday, Bayern Munich announced that they had agreed a Bundesliga-record €80m fee with Atletico Madrid for versatile centre-back Lucas Hernandez , who will move to Bavaria at the end of the season.

It should be just the first in a plethora of summer switches involving the game's elite defenders.

As Goal has already revealed, Barcelona are willing to listen to lucrative bids for Samuel Umtiti, and the Frenchman's departure could have a major knock-on effect across Europe…

Getty ImagesSamuel Umtiti

Samuel Umtiti played a pivotal role in Barcelona's domestic double last season before helping France win the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

So, why would the Catalans even consider letting him leave?

Well, the main reason is Clement Lenglet, who has proved an even bigger hit at Camp Nou than Barca expected after joining from Sevilla last summer.

The 23-year-old Frenchman has moved ahead of his injury-prone compatriot in the pecking order to partner Gerard Pique at the heart of the Blaugrana defence.

Consequently, Barca, who have a lot of money tied up in the upcoming redevelopment of Camp Nou, are willing to listen to offers for Umtiti to help fund this summer's recruitment plan, which includes the signing of another centre-half…

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMatthijs De Ligt

… And Barcelona hope that new centre-half will be Matthijs De Ligt.

The Ajax captain is considered the game's next great defender, coveted by both Manchester City and Juventus.

However, having already wrapped up a deal for De Ligt's team-mate Frenkie de Jong, Barca are confident that they will also soon seal a deal for elegant but tough 19-year-old centre-half.

The transfer fee is likely to rise above €70m, but even though De Ligt is not yet the finished article – as his performance against Germany last weekend underlined – the Blaugrana believe that the youngest player in history ever to play 100 games for Ajax is Pique's natural successor.

Getty ImagesMilan Skriniar

Where De Ligt ends up could affect Milan Skriniar's future.

The Slovakia international has been a revelation since joining Inter from Sampdoria for just €28m in the summer of 2017 and he was the subject of a €55m bid from an unnamed club last January.

It is widely believed that Manchester City were the mystery party and Pep Guardiola's side could well rekindle their interest in the 24-year-old should they miss out on De Ligt.

However, according to Mital Halis, who works for the agency that represents Skriniar, Barca and Real Madrid are now leading the chase for the Slovak's services.

Of course, should Barca land De Ligt, there interest will end but Madrid could well be in need of a new centre-half this summer…

Getty ImagesRaphael Varane

… That's because Raphael Varane has stunned everyone at Real Madrid by considering a move away from Santiago Bernabeu.

The France international may not generate as many headlines as his prolific and outspoken central defensive partner Sergio Ramos, but he is the superior defender and, at 25, was expected to take on an even more important leadership role in the coming years.

However, Goal understands that Varane expected even greater responsibility and status at Madrid after playing a pivotal role in his country's World Cup triumph last summer.

The transfer talk may just be a power play on the part of the Frenchman's representatives to secure their client a lucrative new contract but the news of his unrest means that several clubs will now be considering testing the waters with a lucrative bid…