Want the latest Scottish sport news sent straight to your inbox? Join thousands of others who have signed up to our Record Sport newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Everton will join Southampton in pursuit of Celtic’s Virgil van Dijk if John Stones quits Goodison Park this summer, writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People.

The Saints have already tabled an £8million offer for 24-year-old central defender Van Dijk in a bid to steal a march on rivals.

But Everton, bracing themselves for the departure of Stones, are ready to enter the race after manager Roberto Martinez identified the Dutchman as an ideal replacement.

Celtic are desperate to hang on to Van Dijk and after news of Southampton’s bid emerged Hoops boss Ronny Delia insisted the player was not for sale.

His defiance has not put off Saints manager Ronald Koeman or Martinez, though, with both convinced Van Dijk is keen on a move to the Premier League.

(Image: Getty)

Everton have rejected two bids for Stones - one of £20m and another of £26m - from Chelsea.

But that will not stop the Premier League champions, and big-spending Manchester United, trying to prise the highly-rated youngster away from Goodison in the next three weeks.

If Everton do finally relent and let Stones move on then they plan to push Southampton all the way for Van Dijk.

In pictures - Everton 2-2 Watford:

However, Koeman is calm about the Merseysiders’ interest and is confident that Victor Wanyama and Fraser Forster can help influence his decision.

The duo moved to St Mary’s from Celtic - Wanyama left in the same summer that Van Dijk arrived in Glasgow, but Forster spent a season with him at Celtic Park - and they have been singing Koeman’s praises to his Dutch compatriot.