The media is going big on Saints signing Virgil Van Dijk and suggesting that the deal is imminent, but are they accurate or just speculation ?

The transfer market had gone a little quiet for Saints in terms of media reports over the past week or so, but suddenly today it has gone big on the fact that Saints are "in talks" with Celtic for Virgil Van Dijk.

Now usually this is just a bit of stirring up from agents etc, but this mornings stories seem to be a little more than that with usually reliable news outlets claiming that Saints are close, when you look at the media there are some outlets that will go big on any little rumour and try to turn it into an exclusive and there are others that only really go large on a story when they have very good inside information.

All clubs will claim that they never talk about transfers till they happen etc, but the reality is different and every club uses the media at some point and has its pet journalists who they have to give the odd scoop too if they want favours in return.

This morning seems to be one of those scoops where the big guns in the media know something is happening.

Some ITK media hounds are suggesting that Van Dijk is at St Mary's today and is having a medical which would suggest that Saints have agreed terms with both Celtic and the player himself.

We will soon find out how accurate these stories are perhaps by this evening.

I have to admit that the fact they have come out of the blue is a surprise, in that all indications were that Celtic were not prepared to do business till after their Champions League games against Malmo over the next two weeks, however something seems to have changed over the last couple of days and the press seem to know it.

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BUCK added 12:02 - Aug 12 He's a banker to come to saints and the best thing is,I got £60 on him joining at 6/1 nearly a month ago haha
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patred added 12:05 - Aug 12 if, and its a big big if VvD is having a medical today.. he will be missing from thier squad tonight......it will have to be announced or denied in the next 12-24 hours. The Celtic fans will have to have some answer to why Virgil is in Southampton on the day Celtic are playing a league game.
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IWOZTHERE added 12:27 - Aug 12 Don't spend it yet Buck, I had Saints for 3-2 against Newcastle, Pelle to score first and Mane to score the winner!........Does anyone know Sadio's address? He owes me 500 quid. Hope the speculation is right, would 'make' the season. I still think there's been some sort of agreement in place for a while. It's been too quiet and it's strange that there's been no news of any other firm offers.Hope I haven't tempted fate?

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SaintBrock added 20:06 - Aug 12 I can't find any references to this alleged negotiation in any of today's press sources.
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SaintBrock added 20:09 - Aug 12 In fact VVD is playing tonight in the Celtic SPL game so certainly not anywhere near Southampton today that's for sure. Where does this stuff come from Nick? Time for some more reliable sources please.
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Zambucco added 22:12 - Aug 12 I've been telling you for months he's coming here, I told you about Wanyama and Clasie, when will you listen? :-)
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