Dutch legend Frank de Boer has told Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk it would be a mistake to leave the Scottish champions to join Sunderland.

The Black Cats have been heavily linked with a move for Van Dijk as they look to bolster their defence ahead of the new campaign but Ajax boss De Boer has told his fellow countryman it would not be a good move.

De Boer believes that Van Dijk deserves to be playing Champions League football next season so should find a club that can offer it, or stay at Parkhead.

Sunderland are priced at 2.88 to be relegated from the Premier League next season, with only Watford, Norwich and Bournemouth a shorter price for the drop.

“To just leave Celtic who will be playing in the Champions League themselves next season for a team that could be fighting a relegation battle in England isn’t deserving of van Dijk,” De Boer has been quoted as saying.

“We have seen time and time again players who play in the Champions League have such a better chance of representing their national team.

“That should be a real consideration for him.”

Tottenham are also known to be showing an interest and although they can only offer Europa League football next season, they will at least be pushing for a top four place in the English Premier League.

Arsenal could offer Champions League football but Arsene Wenger’s interest in the player appears to have waned.