John Collins has hailed Celtic centre-back Virgil van Dijk as 'the best defender in Europe' and believes that the Dutchman will stay with the Scottish champions.

The 23-year-old defender is attracting interest from a host of clubs and is currently being linked with a Premier League move to either Arsenal or Everton.

Celtic's assistant manager admits that he is not surprised by the rumours and believes that the Dutchman is one of the best on the continent.

"I believe there is currently no better centre-half in Europe than Virgil. I watch Champions League football and Premier League football every week and Virgil is as good as anybody who is playing football in Europe," he told the Daily Record.

"Virgil can play for any team so the important thing is he doesn't think he has to jump ship quick and take the first offer. He has to believe in his ability and he can play for a top European club.

"He's at a great club just now and if he keeps working hard then I've no doubt that one day he'll be at a top Champions League club – I'm talking about one of the mega names in Europe."

Collins also believes that Van Dijk will stay with the Scottish champions until the second qualifying round of the Champions League.