Celtic to lose star man to Premier League

Celtic are set to lose defender Virgil van Dijk after failing to reach the Champions League group stage following a 2-0 defeat in Malmo.

The 24-year-old is a top target for Southampton, while the likes of Everton and Sunderland have also been linked with a swoop.

If the Hoops had of reached Europe’s elite competition then the Dutchman could have stayed in Scotland until January.

But now after missing out on Europe’s elite competition the Saints are ready to swoop in and seal a £10 million capture.

Ronald Koeman is keen to bolster his defence, which before Sunday’s match at Watford, had not kept a clean sheet in their previous eight Premier League matches.