Celtic eye Dutch defender as on-loan Hoops star attracts interest from Premier League sides

Celtic defender Jack Hendry is reportedly a target for English Premier League trio Brighton, Burnley, and Sheffield United.

Milan van Ewijk, right, in action for ADO Den Haag in an Eredivise clash with PSV Eindhoven in November

The Daily Mail reports that the 25-year-old’s performances for loan side KV Oostende in Belgium have caught the eye of the three clubs, with a decision set to be made on the former Dundee defender’s Parkhead future this summer.

Hendry's Celtic contract expires in the summer of 2022 but with Oostende having an option-to-buy clause as part of the loan deal, there could be a four-way race to secure the centre-back's services in the close season.

On top of that, the Hoops may decide Hendry’s performances merit an extended deal and a second chance with the Glasgow side. Celtic have struggled defensively at times this season with injuries and sub-par performances contributing to an underwhelming season so far.

Jack Hendry's performances for KV Oostende have won him many admirers

Reports in the Netherlands today suggest Celtic may be planning to strengthen their defensive options, particularly at right-back.

The club signed Jonjoe Kenny on loan from Everton during the January transfer window but with his loan up in the summer and Jeremie Frimpong sold to Bayer Leverkusen the same month, Celtic are understood to be keeping tabs on ADO Den Haag right-back Milan van Ewijk.

He has played 25 times for the Dutch side this season, scoring one and assisting two. He helped the side to a 2-2 draw with AZ Alkmaar in October, and again to a 2-2 draw with PV Eindhoven last month.

The 20-year-old isn't short of admirers with German clubs Darmstadt, Hamburg, and Schalke all keeping a close eye on his progress while Belgian outfit Gent are also monitoring van Ewijk’s career.

The former Feyenoord youth player is under contract with the the Storks until the summer of 2022 and while his agent has suggested the player is focused on helping ADO Den Haag climb out of the Eredivisie relegation zone, there are suggestions he could be allowed to leave – despite the club being keen to extend his deal.

Style de Jong told Dutch outlet VI: “'We have drawn up a step-by-step plan to make the best choices in his early but promising career. We are sticking to that.”

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