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Southampton FC Set for Battle over Celtic’s Virgil van Dijk

By Robert Molnar

Virgil van Dijk (Credit: Antoon Kuper -- Flickr Creative Commons)
Virgil van Dijk (Credit: Antoon Kuper -- Flickr Creative Commons) /
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Southampton FC have been very busy this summer and now look set to continue in their signing of new players. However, with the interest in Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk increasing in the last week the Saints will be set for a tough battle between themselves and Everton.

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The Dutch player has been seeking a move away from the Scottish giants for the entirety of the summer. With Celtic now searching for defensive transfers, it is apparent that Virgil van Dijk will soon get his wish and will almost certainly be heading to the Premier League.

With the loss of Toby Alderweireld to Tottenham and the long term injury sustained by Romanian center back Florin Gardos has left a gap in the Saints central defense. The possible addition of Virgil van Dijk will certainly fix that hole.

Should the Dutch player live up the hype created by his time with Celtic, Southampton FC could find themselves with one of the best backline’s in all of the Premier League. Jose Fonte, Cedric Soares and Matt Targett have already proven their worth to Saints manager Ronald Koeman.

Maya Yoshida has also proven himself as a quality substitute option for Ronald Koeman. The Japanese international can play almost any position in the Southampton FC backline. Adding a quality center back such as Virgil van Dijk will allow Ronald Koeman to use Maya Yoshida in a rotation system.

However, though Southampton FC have long shown interest in Virgil van Dijk the Saints are now looking set to battle fellow Premier League side Everton for the Dutchman’s signature. With the Saints already having a £8 million bid rejected, Southampton will look to strike quickly for the defender.

With the side involved in negotiations for Virgil van Dijk, Southampton captain Jose Fonte has wasted little time in voicing his opinion on the matter.

"“I know he’s a good player, obviously. If he comes, he’ll add quality to the team and even more competition at the back, so it will be interesting.” — Jose Fonte"

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Southampton have already attempted to improve the backline this summer with the season long loan deal given to QPR defender Steven Caulker. The signing of Virgil van Dijk will almost certainly make Southampton one of the best defensive teams in the Premier League.

While beating Everton to the Dutchman’s signature will be key towards Southampton’s signing of Virgil van Dijk, the club will likely need to meet Celtic’s asking price first. However, the price paid will likely be worth it for the Saints.

Improving their already impressive defense will be key to Southampton’s Premier League and Europa League campaign’s this season. One thing is for certain, when Ronald Koeman sets his sights on a player very few have ever gotten away.

Next: Sunderland Give M'Vila Final Chance

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