Southampton are in pole position to sign Celtic defender Virgil Van Dijk, according to the Daily Express.
The Dutchman has been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal but is reportedly more likely to join with his compatriot Ronald Koeman at St. Mary’s.
Koeman has expressed his wish to sign another centre back, or two, after Florin Gardos was ruled out for seven months on Friday with a knee injury after Southampton’s 3-0 triumph over Feyenoord at De Kuip.
‘That’s the priority, to bring in one or maximum two centre-backs,’ the Dutchman said. ‘It’s too small with Maya (Yoshida) and Jose (Fonte), “ said the Dutchman.
‘Ok, we have (Jack) Stephens, we have (Jordan) Turnbull, but they are young and still they have to improve themselves and that’s the point for attention at the moment, the centre-back position.’
The Saints missed out on Toby Alderweireld to Tottenham and Gardos’ injury has forced the club to delve further into the market for a centre-half with Maya Yoshida seemingly not deemed good enough to fill Alderweireld’s shoes.
Since last Thursday, Southampton have, according to the Daily Mirror, had their approach rejected by Arsenal to resign Callum Chambers on-loan and have also been linked with Hull’s James Chester.
Southampton’s hopes of signing of the Celtic defender will only be increased by van Dijk’s wishes to play away from Glasgow.
Talking to the Express the 24 year-old said: “It is time for a new challenge. I need something new. More pressure, better opponents, especially when you think of the European Championships next year.
“It’s my dream and my goal to play for Holland. I keep setting targets and my aim is to make it as difficult as possible for the national coach to ignore me.
“A transfer to the English Premier League would help, but I’m open to all top leagues – England, Germany, Spain, France.”
