Celtic ‘prepare bid’ for defender

Celtic are preparing a £3million bid for Club Brugge defender Brandon Mechele should they lose Virgil van Dijk to the Premier League, reports the Express.

Deila is hoping to retain the services of the Dutchman, who has been instrumental since joining in 2013 but is thought to be realistic about those chances.

A £7million offer is already on the table from Southampton, who are looking to replace Toby Alderweireld and Everton are also keen for the 24-year-olds signature, should they lose John Stones to Chelsea.

Brugge have already been approached by Celtic about the availability of Mechele back in April but were rebuffed by the side that faces Manchester United in the play-off round of the Champions League.

The 22-year-old Belgian made his Brugge debut in 2013 and has 83 appearances and three goals in that period. He has also played in the Belgian Under-21 squad alongside former Hoops centre-back Jason Denayer.

But they may have to wait until after the Belgian club’s Champions League playoff clashes with Manchester United before landing the ace.