EVERTON boss Roberto Martinez is the latest English manager to be linked with Celtic’s classy central defender Virgil van Dijk.
The Goodison Park outfit could be looking for a new centre-half if John Stones is lured to Chelsea by Jose Mourinho.
Van Dijk, 24, has been outstanding since his £2.8million arrival from Dutch side Groningen in the summer of 2013 and still has two years of his current deal to run.
The Hoops would demand at least £10million for the talented performer, but boss Ronny Deila is adamant he wants Van Dijk to remain, especially with his eyes on making an impact in the Champions league.
However, the Parkhead side have parted with the likes of Fraser Forster and Victor Wanyama (both Southampton), Gary Hooper (Norwich City), Ki Sung-Yueng (Swansea) and Joe Ledley (Crystal Palace) when top-flight English clubs have come calling.
Adam Matthews was sold to Sunderland for £2million earlier this month although Wearside gaffer Dick Advocaat was forced to drop his interest in Van Dijk.
The Hoops are now bracing themselves for a firm offer from the Merseyside outfit if Stones quits for Stamford Bridge during next month’s transfer window.
