SOUTHAMPTON are set to sign Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk for around £11.5m.

The Mirror say the Dutch defender has agreed a four-year deal with Saints now that the Scottish champions are out of the Champions League.

It comes after The Hoops signed Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett, a deal which appears to clear the way for van Dijk to move to St Mary’s.

He has been linked to the Saints throughout the summer although Celtic boss Ronny Delia has reiterated his desire to keep the centre-back.

Saints have been looking for a new defender all summer to join Jose Fonte, Stephen Caulker and Maya Yoshida, with Florin Gardos out injured.