Koeman ready to take Southampton star to Everton after agreeing deal - report

By Amir Mir

Ronald Koeman has made Southampton's Virgil van Dijk one of his top priorities as soon as he is confirmed as Everton manager, according to a report.

The Mirror have claimed Koeman wishes to bring highly rated centre-back Van Dijk with him to Goodison Park, especially with the continued uncertainty surrounding John Stones' future at Everton.

As reported by Football Insider, the BBC have confirmed that Everton have agreed a £5million compensation deal with Southampton for the Dutchman's services.

Koeman will have a £100million kitty to spend and one of his reported priorities is to take Van Dijk with him from St Mary's Stadium.

The former Celtic star signed a six-year contract with the Saints last month, which secures the value of one of Southampton's key players.

Koeman signed the ball playing centre-half from Scotland for £13million last year, and his Dutch compatriot has played a major part in helping Southampton into Europe for the coming season.

Koeman is also said to have targeted England Under-21s playmaker James Ward-Prowse as another possible Everton signing.

It is said that the negotiations over the past few days have not been about Southampton's compensation packet, but over a 'no poaching' clause in Koeman's contract.

In other Everton news, the club's attempt to prise a big name from Spain is reportedly doomed to failure.