Virgil van Dijk will play for Celtic in their crunch Champions League play-off clash with Malmo on Tuesday night.

Reports suggest that Saints had won the race to sign the 24-year-old Dutch defender in a £10million deal, and that consequently he would miss the second leg in Sweden to join up with the south coast club.

However, a spokesman for the Scottish champions said this afternoon: “The story is absolute nonsense and Virgil will play on Tuesday. We have no agreement with any club.''

Van Dijk, linked with several English clubs, was one of nine players left out by Hoops boss Ronny Deila for the 3-1 Ladbrokes Premiership win over Dundee United at Tannadice yesterday, with the trip to Malmo in mind.

Celtic lead 3-2 from the first leg in Glasgow, with entry into the group stages reportedly set to earn the Glasgow club at least £16m.