According to some media reports West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has joined the chase to land 6ft 4 defender Virgil Van Dijk. The English club’s interest comes after reports that Arsene Wenger is ready to bid £8 million for the player after reports from Arsenal’s scouts following his displays for Celtic in the Europa League. However the Hammers are ready to steal a march on them with a bid of their own. Southampton, Sunderland and at least one Serie A side are also said to be interested. Celtic are said to be looking for at least £10 million for the Dutchman and are in no rush to sell their star defender.
Virgil came through the ranks at Willem II in Holland before moving to Groningen as a teenager, where he played in the same side as Southampton’s Dusan Tadic. He has played for the Dutch Under 19 and Under 21 sides and in 2013 he moved to Celtic for £2.6million.
In 42 games for Celtic he has scored 5 goals. Not bad for a defender!