MX23RW : Saturday, December 21 00:22:06| >> :120:39195:39195:

Celtic play down Virgil van Dijk speculation

Celtic first-team coach John Kennedy cools speculation linking defender Virgil van Dijk with a January exit from the club.

Celtic first-team coach John Kennedy has played down speculation linking defender Virgil van Dijk with a move away from the club.

Sunderland are reportedly considering an £8m bid for the 23-year-old, while Everton and West Bromwich Albion are also thought to be interested in the Dutchman.

However, Kennedy is hopeful that the centre-back will remain at Celtic Park and help the team to retain their Scottish Premiership title.

"It's speculation and that has been the case all season," he told Sky Sports News. "We got it in the summer with a lot of speculation about Virgil.

"With our top players, we expect the same every time the window opens. But until something is firm and concrete, it's just rumours, but he is a massive player for us. You see the quality he brings."

Van Dijk, who has been capped at Under-21 level for the Netherlands, joined Celtic from Groningen in 2013.

ID:197412: cacheID:197412:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1877:
Written by
Jack Prescott
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Virgil Van Dijk of Celtic Glasgow reacts during the Pre Season Friendly between SK Rapid Wien and Celtic Glasgow at Gerhard-Hanappi-Stadium on July 6, 2014
Read Next:
Sunderland 'to make Van Dijk bid'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Texans
@
Chiefs
9.30pm
Steelers
@
Ravens
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1514104444043
2Aberdeen16104230181234
3RangersRangers1510232791832
4Motherwell178272327-426
5Dundee UnitedDundee Utd166642519624
6St Mirren176382228-621
7Dundee165472729-219
8Kilmarnock184681935-1618
9Hibernian173682129-815
10Ross County173681333-2015
11St Johnstone1742112032-1214
12Hearts1734101826-813


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!