Celtic target Virgil van Dijk talks up move

GRONINGEN centre-half Virgil van Dijk, a Celtic transfer target, has spoken of his delight at a possible move to Parkhead.

Virgil van Dijk: Move to Celtic would be 'step up'. Picture: Getty

• Celtic target Virgil van Dijk says move to Parkhead would be “step up”

• Groningen defender would cost Celtic up to £2.5 million

The 21-year-old Dutchman called the potential move a “step up” in his career amid reports that Neil Lennon wants to bring him to Champions League-bound Celtic.

“Celtic is a fantastic club and a step up for me. I now have to wait for the clubs to come to an agreement.”

The Eredivisie side are holding out for a £2.5 million fee from Celtic, although the club refused to identify the club by name, only confirming that they had received a bid for the defender.

Van Dijk has played for Holland at U19 and U21 level, and has been linked with Newcastle and Everton.

Groningen club director Hans Nijland said: “The offer and our valuation are not on the same line at the moment.

“We want to keep Virgil but we understand his ambition. It’s an exciting period.”