Southampton have been in advanced talks to sign Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk as they look to add to the signing of Steven Caulker at centre back.
BBC Scotland reporter, Kenny Macintyre, reported the news earlier today that the Netherlands Under-21 international, now 24, could be set to follow in the footsteps of former team-mates Victor Wanyama and Fraser Forster.
Both players that have taken the trip from Glasgow to the South Coast of England have been hugely successful with the club and with country too – something van Dijk is set upon having never appeared for his full national team.
He has previously said (to the Daily Express):
“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.”
Ronald Koeman announced his intention to sign one, if not two players in van Dijk’s position after Florin Gardos’ injury in pre-season and the Dutchman looks set follow through with his intentions.
Steven Caulker was brought in on-loan from QPR to complement the existing pairing of Jose Fonte and Maya Yoshida. This follows the exits of Toby Alderweirled, after his season long loan at the club, Jos Hoovield, Jordan Turnbull (on-loan) to Swindon and Gardos’ injury forcing their hand into the market.
Van Dijk has been on the Saints’ radar over this and previous summers, with the club impressed with the defender’s performances north of the border.
Southampton have been very active so far this window replacing last season’s key leavers with Juanmi, Jordy Clasie, Cuco Martina, Maarten Steklenburg, Steven Caulker (loan), and today’s addition of Oriol Romeu.
Let us know who you think has been Saints’ best bit of business so far? Will Van Dijk be another Dutch success on the South Coast?
