Southampton in discussions with Celtic about Van Dijk

Celtic and Southampton have been in talks over the potential sale of Dutch centre-back Virgil Van Dijk from Celtic, BBCSport reports.

The Premier League side are yet to make an offer for the 24-year old according to the report and is one of the many players the Saints are targeting before the transfer window closes.

Southampton are still looking to replace centre-back Toby Alderweireld who they lost to Tottenham earlier this summer choosing to move to Spurs after a loan spell at Southampton from Atletico Madrid. They also released former Hoops defender Jos Hooiveld, so a new face is needed to maintain depth at the position for their potential Europa League campaign this year.

It’s not the first time that the Saints have been targeting a Celtic player, having acquired Victor Wanyama and Fraser Forster in recent years, they are looking to add yet another pivotal player for Celtic to their own squad.

When asked about the reports that Southampton are interested manager Ronny Deila insisted there had been no bid from the St Mary’s outfit.

Deila insisted that he is not interested in selling Van Dijk and that the Dutchman would not be sold while Celtic were still attempting to qualify for the Champions League group stage.