Celtic to Profit From Potential Sale of Southampton's Virgil van Dijk Sale Thanks to Sell-On Clause
Celtic will profit from any potential sale of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk thanks to a 10 percent sell-on clause in the Dutchman's contract.
Van Dijk is a Liverpool transfer target, with the Reds eager to improve their defensive options ahead of their return to the Champions League, but they publicly stated they had withdrawn all interest in the player after being accused of tapping-up the centre-back by Southampton.
NORWICH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Norwich City and Southampton at Carrow Road on January 7, 2017 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
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However, Liverpool are believed to still be interested in taking Van Dijk to Anfield, with some reports claiming the defender is only interested in a move to Jurgen Klopp's side.
A large fee is expected to be required in order to sign Van Dijk, who experienced success with Celtic during his time in Scotland, and Brendan Rodgers' side are monitoring the transfer saga closely due to the sell-on clause in the 26-year-old's contract.
The Liverpool Echo Celtic are hopeful Van Dijk seals his move to Liverpool so they can claim a chunk of the rumoured £75m figure said to be required for the former Groningen man to leave St Mary's this summer.
Southampton's Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk reacts during the EFL (English Football League) Cup semi-final first-leg football match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on January 11, 2017. / AFP / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)
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Van Dijk impressed during the 2016-17 season, making 21 appearances in the Premier League before being ruled out for the end of the campaign thanks to a damaged ligament in his foot picked up in the 3-0 win over Leicester in January.
Liverpool's defending was criticised throughout last season as they conceded 42 goals in the Premier League, with Arsenal the only team in the top six having a worse record at the back.
