Groningen defender Virgil van Dijk reveals Everton interest

9 Jan 2013 13:55:00

The Netherlands Under-21 international has claimed that the Toffees are hoping to strike a deal but a director at the Dutch club insists that they have not received any offers

Groningen defender Virgil van Dijk has revealed that Everton are interesting in signing him.

The 21-year-old has been identified as a possible replacement for fellow countryman John Heitinga, whose agent has admitted could leave Goodison Park, and Sylvain Distin, who is being targeted by QPR boss Harry Redknapp.

"I'm aware of the interest of a few clubs and Everton is one of them," Van Dijk told Voetbal International.

"I hear and read a lot. Soon I have dinner with my agent Henk-Maarten Chin. He will tell me how things are going. I enjoy the interest, but if I leave it must be a good decision when I leave."

The Netherlands Under-21 international had made 43 appearances in the Eredivisie since his debut in 2011 and has scored five times.

Despite the player's claims, Groningen director, Hans Nijland, does not believe the young defender will be leaving the club any time soon, as no official approach has been made.

"I don't expect Virgil will leave. There's not a single club that officially reported so we don't feel like talk about this for too long," he added.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets

Inside Goal.Com

Win a sponsorship package with Seara!
Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ sponsor is giving away an amazing sponsorship package for next season to five football squads from across the UK and Ireland
League of Ireland Player of the Week: Kieran Waters
After a slow start to the season, the talented winger has significantly improved his contribution to aid Bray Wanderers in their fight against relegation
Real Madrid are better off without Mourinho
The Portuguese's position had become untenable in recent weeks, especially after Friday's debacle in the Copa del Rey. Now he's leaving, but the club can grow stronger without him
AVB, Levy & Lewis to thrash out Tottenham plans
After missing out on a place in the Champions League, the north London side are devising a way to keep Gareth Bale at the club and attract new stars to White Hart Lane
Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley