Scottish giants Celtic are set to submit an enquiry into the availability of Brentford defender James Tarkowski, a club insider from Brentford has informed Football League World.

tarkowski
FLW have been informed that Celtic are to submit an enquiry for Tarkowski

The Glasgow club have made a shortlist of potential defenders to replace Virgil van Dijk who has been linked with a move away from Parkhead this summer with Southampton the latest team to be interested in the Dutchman.

Any potential move to the Saints depends on whether the Bhoys qualify for the Champions League, with Ronny Deila's side facing Swedish side Malmo in the second leg of the qualifying play-off on Tuesday night having won 3-2 in the first leg.

Tarkowski was also named as a potential target for Ronald Koeman but it seems the Southampton boss prefers van Dijk with Napoli centre back Kalidou Koulibaly next on the list if a move for the Celtic defender fails.

The 22-year-old Tarkowski joined Brentford for an undisclosed fee from Oldham Athletic in January 2014 and has gone on to score four goals in 50 appearances for the Bees, including a 96th minute equaliser in a 2-2 against Ipswich Town this season.

Fulham were interested in the Lancashire-born central defender earlier this summer and are understood to have had a £1.75 million bid turned down.

Brentford are under no pressure to sell and have made £9m on the sale of star striker Andre Gray to Burnley.

The West London club made the play-offs last season under Mark Warburton, just a year after winning promotion from League One, and Tarkowski played an integral part.

At just 22, the defender is one to watch for the future and it may take a large offer for Brentford to consider selling one of their prized assets.

What do you make to the news Brentford fans? How much is Tarkowski worth? Let us know in the comments section below!