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Celtic bid for Newcastle and Everton target Virgil van Dijk
PREMIER LEAGUE sides Newcastle and Everton look set to be beaten to the signing of FC Groningen centre-back Virgil van Dijk by SPL champions Celtic.
Celtic want to tie up a deal for van Dijk - thought to be in the region of £2m - despite interest from Newcastle and Everton.
While it appears that the Bhoys will lose striker Gary Hooper this summer, they have targeted defensive reinforcements in the shape of van Dijk and Cedric Mongongu of Evian.
However, the capture of the Holland Under-21 international is closest to completion, with the 21-year-old telling Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: "Celtic is a fantastic club and a step up for me.
"I now have to wait until the clubs agree."
Van Dijk made 34 appearances in Holland's top-flight last season, scoring two goals.