Rumour Mill: Virgil van Dijk | Michiel Kramer | Champions League

Everton prepared to meet Celtic’s asking price for van Dijk, Ronny Deila has Dutch striker watched and Gary Mackay-Steven in Champions League rallying call.

Virgil Van Dijk still has two years on his contract with Celtic. Picture: Gordon Fraser

Everton consider £10m bid for Virgil van Dijk

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has refused to rule out making a move to sign Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk.

Speaking after watching his English Premier League side record a 3-1 friendly win over Hearts at Tynecastle, the Spaniard confessed he is in the market for a new central defender.

Virgil Van Dijk still has two years on his contract with Celtic. Picture: Gordon Fraser

While being unwilling to speak directly about van Dijk, Martinez is reportedly willing to pay Celtic’s £10million asking price. (Mail)

Celtic watch Michiel Kramer

Celtic are interested in ADO Den Haag striker Michiel Kramer, according to reports in the Dutch press.

Club scouts were present during ADO Den Haag’s friendly with FC Veria on Saturday to run the rule over the striker, who was third top scorer in the Eredivisie last season with 17 goals.

The 26-year-old was supposed to join UAE side Baniyas earlier this summer, but despite personal terms and a fee being agreed, the move broke down after ADO Den Haag failed to receive the money for the transfer. (Omroep West)

Celtic ready for Champions League football - GMS

Gary Mackay-Steven says that if Celtic really are a Champions League team the time has come to show it.

‘We know Wednesday is a big game but we are relishing the opportunity to play at that level,’ said the wide man, who prodded home the second goal in a mundane Parkhead win over Rennes.

‘We feel it’s where we belong. But actions speak louder than words. We have to show we can play at that level and produce the goods.

‘You can talk all you want about how it’s a big club here. Everything is in place. But ultimately it’s what we do on the pitch that matters.

‘It’s massive for us as players and we use any pressure as motivation to do well.

‘We want to play in the Champions League and we have prepared right and we feel we are ready. It’s now up to us to go out and show what we can do.’ (Mail)

Former Celtic youth goes on trial at Linfield

Former Celtic winger Paul George has gone on trial with Linfield.

internationalist was released by Celtic last December and moved to Dunfermline after training spells at Aberdeen and Motherwell. (Various)

Hampden to host Scotland v England tie

SFA president Alan McRae last night confirmed Scotland’s Saturday night World Cup showdown with England will definitely go ahead at Hampden.

The Scots were landed with the Auld Enemy in Group F at Saturday’s St Petersburg draw, along with Slovakia, Slovenia, Lithuania and Malta. (Scotsman)

Jamie Langfield bows out of Aberdeen

Jamie Langfield made a point of kissing the turf at the end of his testimonial win against Brighton and Hove Albion then revealed he’s ready to kiss goodbye to the club after ten years service at Aberdeen. (Scotsman)

Leigh Griffiths at head of queue for Qarabag tie

With the opening goal against French side Rennes in a 2-0 win to add to his terrific recent record, it seems Leigh Griffiths may just have staked a claim for a starting point in his side’s Champions League qualifier. (Scotsman)

Scott Booth happy with Glasgow City start

Scott Booth declared himself happy with a good week’s work after watching his new side Glasgow City beat Celtic 3-0 at the Excelsior Stadium to stay top of the SWPL.

The eight-time champions struggled to break down a well-organised Celtic defence in the opening 45 minutes, but a lapse of concentration allowed Abbi Grant to break the deadlock seconds before the interval. (Herald)