Report: Sunderland weigh up £8m bid for Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk

Sunderland have lined up an £8m bid for Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk in the January transfer window, according to reports.

The 23-year-old is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League and has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past.

The Daily Mail claims that Sunderland boss Gus Poyet sent scouts to watch Van Dijk in Celtic's game at Kilmarnock and are now prepared to put a bid on the table, although the Scottish champions are reluctant to sell one of their prized assets.

The Dutchman has been a regular starter for Celtic and has scored six goals in 32 appearances.