CELTIC are preparing for the expected departure of Virgil van Dijk by opening talks with Dinamo Zagreb defender Jozo Simunovic. It is understood chief executive Peter Lawwell travelled to Croatia to conduct negotiations ahead of a potential £4m deal. With van Dijk still on the radar of Southampton and other English clubs, Celtic believe 21 year-old Simunovic could be the man to replace him.

The Parkhead club are also thought to be retaining an interest in Jason Denayer. The defender has returned to Manchester City following a successful loan spell with the Scottish champions but has yet to feature in Manuel Pelligrini’s plans in the opening matches.

On the way out of Celtic Park could be Stefan Scepovic. The striker has failed to make any lasting impact in Scottish football and has been linked with a move to Spanish side Valladolid.

Across the city, Rangers boss Mark Warburton has ruled out a return for Haris Vuckic but could be set to add John Swift to his squad. The Chelsea midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Swindon Town, is expected at Murray Park today to conclude a season-long loan.

Elsewhere, Andy Webster has been training with St Mirren with a view to signing with the Championship club. Webster, 33, has been without a club since leaving Coventry City in the summer. Saints’ need for defensive reinforcements has grown even greater with news that full-back Jason Naismith will be out for a minimum of six months with a knee injury.

In England, Chelsea have made a new £30m bid for Everton’s John Stones but have been told they may need to increase that offer by £10m, while Kevin de Bruyne could still leave sign for Manchester City for £50m despite comments that he is planning on staying with Wolfsburg.

And Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be heading for England after PSG have said the Swede can leave on the cheap. Arsenal and Manchester United are both thought to be potential suitors.