IT could be one in, one out for Celtic following their failure to reach the group phase of the Champions League. Virgil van Dijk, a summer-long target for Southampton, has admitted that last night’s 2-0 defeat in Malmo – a result that saw the Swedes qualify 4-3 on aggregate – could well be his final appearance for the club. The transfer window closes next Tuesday and it looks like van Dijk could well be a Saint by then.

“There is a chance that could be my last appearance,” he said. “There is interest but right now just after the game it is difficult to talk about it. If this was my last game it’s the last way that I would want to leave Celtic.”

Coming the other way could be Libor Kozak. The Czech striker has failed to make an impact at Aston Villa following his £7m transfer from Lazio two years ago and could be allowed to leave the English club. That has alerted Celtic who have been keeping tabs on the player and may now bring him to Scotland.

Celtic have also been linked with a return for Gary Hooper but Norwich boss Alex Neil said there have been no concrete bids for his striker as yet. “There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Gary, in particular,” he said. “Sheffield Wednesday has been one, Celtic has been mentioned, and probably another couple of clubs that have gone out of my head, but until we hear anything concrete then it is just speculation.”

Elsewhere in England, Chelsea are set to up their move for Everton’s John Stones with a fourth and final bid of £40m after the defender handed in a transfer request. Manager Jose Mourinho is also said to be willing to splurge £70m to try to entice Paul Pogba from Juventus.