According to reports from The Express yesterday evening, Southampton have launched a £7million bid for Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk.
The 24 year-old has emerged as one of the Scottish champions’ shrewdest finds in the transfer market since signing from Groningen for a £2.6million fee in summer 2013.
He’s since become an integral member of the Bhoys’ starting Xi and has gained notoriety throughout Europe for his netting prowess, bagging 15 goals in 106 appearances – including 10 across all competitions last season.
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After winning consecutive SPL titles with Celtic, the 6 foot 4 defender is widely expected to leave Parkhead this summer.
Premier League title contenders Arsenal and Manchester United were linked with van Dijk by The Daily Star in June and The Express have also documented their interest.
But according to an exclusive from the British tabloid, Southampton have stolen a march on their divisional rivals by launching a £7million bid – viewing the former Netherlands U21 as an ideal replacement for now-Tottenham star Toby Alderweireld.
However, manager Ronny Deila is hoping to hold onto van Dijk until after Celtic secure qualification to the Champions League’s group stages via the play-offs.