Celtic move for Dutch defender
The 21-year-old had an outstanding season for Groningen who finished seventh in the Eredivisie last season.
Brighton have been tracking van Dijk since Christmas time but have been unable to make a move due to uncertainty over the future of manager Gus Poyet.
Neil Lennon is keen to add a strong central defender to his squad with Thomas Rogne moving on and Efe Ambrose missing the start of the season due to his involvement in the Confederations Cup.
Van Dijk joined Groningen from Willem II in 2010 and would cost around £1.8m due to having two years left on his contract.
Following increased speculation earlier today van Dijk’s agent Martin Henk Chin told Dutch tv: “It is true that a bid for Vigil has been made but I can’t say anything about the club.”
Groningen director Hans Nijland also confirmed that a bid has been made.
Van Dijk turned 22 earlier this month and has been capped by Holland at u-19 and u-21 level.
Celtic return to training on Thursday with Neil Lennon gathering the bulk of his squad together although internationalists like Ambrose, Tom Rogic, Mikel Lustig, Georgios Samaras and Emilio Izaguirre will be given extra time off.
The draw for the Champions League will be made on June 24 with Celtic’s first match scheduled for July 19/20.
Before that the hoops will travel to Germany for a training camp which will also involve a friendly against Union Berlin on July 12.
Lennon is hoping to move early on his transfer targets with Amido Balde signed last week from Vitoria Guimaraes with moves underway to bring in van Dijk and others.
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