John Terry says Virgil van Dijk would walk into the starting line-ups of Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, but not Chelsea's.
The in-demand centre-back has hinted at a January move away from Southampton after failing with a transfer request in the summer.
Chelsea remain linked with their own move for Van Dijk, but Conte warned interested parties that City must not be allowed to sign the likes of the Dutchman if rivals are to compete.
Terry feels Van Dijk is good enough to make the step up to a Premier League title contender, but does not seem him getting into Conte's team over Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz or Andreas Christensen.
"If you look at Liverpool he certainly goes into the starting line-up," Terry said on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football. "Arsenal the same. Chelsea he makes their squad better.
"Man City he goes into that starting XI. Same at Manchester United. I think he goes into all them squads and makes them better."
He added: "I do think he’s victim of Southampton’s trouble at the minute. I think it was a big statement to put him on the bench for the game with Chelsea.
"If they are demanding £60million, if I were Chelsea I would be saying more like £55m if he’s not getting in their starting XI.
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