Southampton to sign Virgin van Dijk?

Southampton look to be leading the chase to sign Celtic defender Virgin van Dijk, after the Scottish club failed to qualify for the Champions League group stages.

The Hoops bowed out of the Champions League following their 2-1 aggregate loss to Malmo in the play-offs.

Van Dijk had revealed after the game that he could seek a new club before next week's transfer deadline.

The Express now reports that Saints boss Ronald Koeman is ready to pounce on the player's services as he seeks to bolster his defensive setup for the ongoing campaign.

Southampton are currently 18th in the Premier League.