Sunderland are chasing Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk for the January market.

The Daily Mail says manager Gus Poyet wants a centre-back and Sunderland are willing to pay £8million for the Holland U21 international.

Everton and West Bromwich Albion have also asked about the 23-year-old but he has told team-mates that Sunderland are showing the greater commitment to a deal.

Van Dijk has impressed for the Scottish champions since joining from FC Groningen in 2013 and has been included in recent Holland squads.