Southampton on the lookout for Celtic’s Virgil van Dijk

Southampton are interested in the Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk and are in the process of placing a bid on the defender.

Celtic FC is aware of the growing interest for van Dijk, but they seem to be focusing on qualifying for the Champions League group stage. But Saints manager Ronald Koeman doesn’t seem to be very happy as he already missed out on a talented defender in Tony Alderweireld when he joined Spurs this transfer month.

The 24-year-old Dutch player has played 8 matches last season in the Champions League where he had a decent passing accuracy of 81%. Van Dijk is known to go into tackles very easily.

Virgil van Dijk has decided that he would leave Scotland for better options elsewhere and finds Premier League to be an attractive option. On his interview with Voetbal International:

“Of course the Champions League millions are important for Celtic, but they cannot dismiss any interest.”

“It is time for a new challenge. This year I’ll turn 24, and I need something new. More pressure, better opponents, especially when you think of the European Championships next year.”

“If the correct amount is placed on the table, then they will really think about it. If Celtic want to earn money from me, the club must act now.”

“A transfer to the English Premier League would help, but I’m open to all top leagues — England, Germany, Spain, France.”

“But in the end I have to like the team and Celtic has to agree with the bid and transfer.”