Celtic have dismissed reports that Southampton had finally won the race to sign Virgil van Dijk in a £10m deal, and insist that he will play in tomorrow’s crucial Champions League qualifier against Malmo.
Van Dijk flew out to Sweden with the Celtic squad this morning, and a club spokesman said: “The story is nonsense and Virgil will play on Tuesday. We have no agreement with any club.”
Malmo’s Rasmus Bengtsson claims the speculation surrounding the Dutch star means he “will have other things in his head” during the crunch encounter.
His former partner at the heart of the Hoops’ defence Jason Denayer meanwhile has been linked with a move to Galatasaray after becoming frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities at Manchester City.
Another ex-Celt, midfielder Victor Wanyama, has been linked with a move to Tottenham and has told Southampton he wishes to leave. The south-coast club are believed to be reluctant to let the powerful Kenyan go so close to the end of the transfer window.
Barcelona forward Neymar has indicated an interest in playing in the English Premier League, fuelling rumours of a move to Manchester United.
Also repeatedly credited with an interest in Gareth Bale, the Old Trafford club are believed to be confident of landing at least one of their megastar targets, but know they may have to wait until next season.
Arsenal are again being linked with a move for Bale’s teammate Karim Benzema, and it is believed they could secure the signature of the French international forward if they come up with a bid of around £50million.
Liverpool flop Mario Balotelli could be heading back to AC Milan, with the Italian club’s chief executive Adriano Galliani revealing they are in negotiations over a possible loan move. He has spelled out to Balotelli however that if the deal goes through, it will “absolutely be his last chance.”
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