Jose Fonte welcomes Celtic centre-back Virgil Van Dijk speculation

Celtic centre-back Virgil Van Dijk

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Celtic centre-back Virgil van Dijk would be a great signing for Southampton, according to Saints’ club captain Jose Fonte.

After losing former loanee Toby Alderweireld to Tottenham and Florin Gardos to injury during the summer, manager Ronald Koeman is on the lookout for a new signing at the back.

The Saints, currently priced at 13.00 to finish in the top four, have already brought in Queens Park Rangers defender Steven Caulker on loan but Koeman is still considering other options.

The Dutchman will need a bigger squad if his side is to compete on all fronts this season as they try to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

Van Dijk has been linked with a move away from Celtic all summer and his future may depend on the club’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Ronny Delia’s side beat Qarabag 1-0 over two legs and they will now take on Malmo for a place in the group stages proper.

Speaking about the possible deal, Fonte said: “I know he’s a good player, obviously. He’s a guy that we’ve been linked to, but he’s not here yet.

“But if he comes he’ll be welcomed, like every other player that comes in this club. If he comes, he’ll add quality to the team and even more competition at the back, so it will be interesting.

“We are fortunate to have three very good defenders, centre-backs, so whoever comes they know they have to do a job, so I just hope I’m selected.”

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