Van Dijk keen on Celtic move

Groningen defender Virgil van Dijk has revealed that he would be interested in a move to Scottish Premier League champions Celtic.

The 21-year-old is highly rated in the Netherlands and was an integral part of the Groningen side that secured a top-seven finish in the Eredivisie last season.

Premier League clubs Newcastle United, Everton and Cardiff City have all been credited with an interest in the Netherlands Under-21 international but it is Celtic who appear to be in the best position to land Van Dijk’s signature, with the centre-back declaring his admiration for the Parkhead outfit.

He told De Telegraaf: “Celtic is a fantastic club and a step up for me. I have to wait until the clubs agree.”

Van Dijk missed out on a place in the Netherlands squad for the UEFA Under-21 Championship, with Feyenoord pair Stefan de Vrij and Bruno Martins Indi preferred in the centre of defence.

The young star will likely see a move away from the Euroborg club as a chance to prove himself to senior national coach Louis van Gaal ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Van Dijk made 37 appearances in all competitions for Groningen last term, scoring two goals.