Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk wanted by a number of big clubs, says agent. Reuters

The agent of Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk has indicated his client will leave the Scottish champions this summer having reportedly caught the eye of Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.

The 22-year-old has excelled in his debut season in the SPL following a summer move from Groningen, producing performances that have garnered the interest of a number of clubs down south.

Although his agent Henk-Maarten Chin admits there have been no official bids yet, he has revealed a number of clubs have been watching over van Dijk and are likely to make their interest formal at the end of the season.

"There is certainly interest," Chin was quoted as saying by The Scotsman. "Many English clubs are interested in him – the absolute top clubs. They watch him and are very keen. There has been no official approaches for Virgil yet, but that will come after the season ends."

Chin adds that the Dutch defender's performances in Celtic's ill-fated Champions League campaign this season have been a fundamental reason why he is being considered by a number of Premier League giants.

"There's certainly far more interest in him than we could have dreamed of. I expect something will happen for him this summer – the intention would be for him to earn a top transfer.

"Celtic were outplayed by Barcelona, but Virgil was the only player who was okay. Against AC Milan, he made a great impression in his battles against Mario Balotelli."

United, City and Arsenal are almost certain to be in the market for a centre half this summer. David Moyes is a preparing for a major shakeup of his defence with Nemanja Vidic to join Inter Milan when his contract expires in June with Rio Ferdinand likely to end his 12 year stay at Old Trafford when his deal expires.

City have looked vulnerable in the absence of Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic this season and will be looking to bring at least one centre half to the club with Joleon Lescott now likely to leave when his deal expires with Martin Demechelis the only other cover.

And while Arsenal's centre back partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker has been heralded as the best in the league, the lack of cover for the duo will be a worry, particularly should Thomas Vermaelen leave the club having lost his place in the first team.