Van Dijk reveals Everton interest

Groningen defender Virgil van Dijk says English Premier League outfit Everton are interested in signing him.

The 21-year-old has been identified as a possible replacement for John Heitinga and Sylvain Distin, who are both reportedly on their way out.

“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 said.