Celtic: Virgil van Dijk arrives for signing talks

Celtic are closing in on a second summer signing, with Netherlands Under-21 defender Virgil van Dijk in Glasgow for talks and a medical on Thursday.

He said at Glasgow Airport: "Celtic is a big club and it is fantastic to be here. They play in the Champions League and that is a big thing for me.

"I am a defender who likes to play football, not a defender who plays the long ball all the time."

Van Dijk, 21, moved to Groningen from Willem II in 2011.

He is under contract to the Eridivisie side for two more years.

Describing a deal with Neil Lennon's side as "very close", the Dutchman admitted seeing Celtic play in the Champions League was a major draw.

"The game against Barcelona was a big game and I watched it at home," he told reporters.

"It was a very good game. I look forward to playing in the Champions League."

The Scottish champions have already recruited striker Amido Balde, 22, from Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes.