Southampton could be about to secure a deal for Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk with discussions between the two clubs now underway.

Despite no official offer being made, the BBC understands that Dutch centre-half van Dijk is one of the Saint's top targets of the summer and the two clubs could be close to agreeing a deal.

The 24-year-old impressed for Celtic last season and Southampton boss Ronald Koeman sees him as a perfect replacement for Toby Alderweireld, who left St Mary's for Spurs earlier this summer, after an impressive loan spell from Atletico Madrid.