Groningen defender Virgil van Dijk reveals Everton interest

09-Jan-2013 7:25:00 PM

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.

Inside Goal.Com

Player Ratings: West Brom 5-5 Man Utd
Sir Alex Ferguson was given a farewell to remember, but certainly not for the right reasons as the Romelu Lukaku-led hosts battled back from three goals down to earn an unlikely point
Player Ratings: Liverpool 1-0 QPR
The hosts put in a dominating performance but Philippe Coutinho's solitary goal from distance was enough to see off a poor performance from the already-relegated visitors
Player Ratings: Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
Laurent Koscielny's 52nd-minute volley secured the Gunners the win over Alan Pardew's side and made sure they would be playing Champions League football next season
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.
Who is the greatest CL striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel