DUTCH ace Virgil van Dijk last night revealed he was sold on a move to Celtic after watching the Hoops humble Barcelona.

The 21-year-old flew into Glasgow yesterday to complete a medical and push through the finer details of a £2.5million switch from Eredivisie outfit Groningen.

Despite interest from Premiership side Newcastle, the Holland Under-21 international centre-back insists the lure of the Champions League made it an easy decision.

Van Dijk said: “I remember the game Celtic played against Barcelona very well. It was a big game and I watched it at home.

“The atmosphere was great and it was a very good game. I’m now looking forward to playing in the Champions League as well.

“I would love to play for Celtic. They are a big club and play in the Champions League and that is a big thing for me.

“There were a lot of clubs interested but none of them made the concrete offer which Celtic did.”

The Parkhead club are attempting to tie up a deal which includes a sell-on clause as well as various performance-related add-ons and van Dijk admits he wants to sign for Neil Lennon’s side as quickly as possible.

He said: “It’s a very nice feeling. Celtic are a big club and it’s fantastic to be here.

“The deal is very close as I only have to do the medical but we will see what happens. I hope it is completed soon.”

The Dutch kid admits he doesn’t know what to expect in the SPL but has promised the Celtic fans there is more to his game than physical hustle and bustle.

Van Dijk said: “It’s difficult to say what to expect but I’m a defender who likes to play football. I’m not the type of defender who likes to play the long ball all the time.

“But I hope to do well and we will see.”

Van Dijk will also pick up the phone to compatriot and former Celt Pierre van Hooijdonk who starred at his hometown club in Breda when he was growing up.

He said: “I haven’t spoken to Pierre but maybe I will do that in a couple of days.”