Newcastle Transfer News: Virgil Van Dijk Would "Definitely Consider" Move From Celtic

The Celtic defender has opened the door for a bid from NUFC... or even SAFC.

by Chris Waugh
Newcastle United need at least two centre-backs this summer - and they have effectively been given a "come-and-get-me" plea by Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk. The 23-year-old Dutchman has revealed that he would "definitely consider a transfer" this summer having become disillusioned with the lack of competition in the Scottish Premier League. Sunderland will likely offer North East rivals Newcastle competition for the signature of Van Dijk - and it could simply come down to if one of the two survives the drop this season as to who manages to convince the £10 million Dutchman to join them.
Van Dijk told Dutch radio station Omroep Brabant that he would seriously consider a move away from the SPL this summer. He said:
"Celtic are a great club with a fantastic stadium and the fans are great but the competition is not too good. "I want to develop. If the opportunity is there, I would definitely consider a transfer. But maybe there will be nothing."
Considered to be one of the finest talents north of the border, Van Dijk has been courted by a whole host of Premier League clubs, including Southampton and Arsenal. Van Dijk was capped three times by the Holland Under-21 side and he has made 170 career appearances in all for both Groningen and Celtic, scoring 22 times. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
Contributor
Contributor

NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.