Celtic have now held talks with the agents of a “brilliant” midfielder, and they have also made direct contact with his club.
Hoops planning major squad reshape this summer
Although Martin O’Neill is set to leave the Hoops this summer, the interim boss has dropped an insight into the club’s summer transfer plans, saying: “There will be a number of players who, for one reason or another, will have to leave the football club because we are really top-heavy, do you know? And that becomes an issue.”
The 74-year-old has also confirmed there will need to be some departures to make way for potential new arrivals, adding: “To bring new people in, you’ll have to. Absolutely. You couldn’t cope with that. You couldn’t cope. And that might not be the easiest thing in the world.
“Of course we’ve got some players here that other teams in big leagues will probably want. And that’s something to consider.”
One player who has been attracting plenty of interest is Arne Engels, with Nottingham Forest planning to make another bid for the central midfielder, who Dermot Desmond is now willing to sell.
The Hoops are also yet to decide whether Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will remain at Parkhead, with his current deal set to expire at the end of May, which means a number of new additions may be needed in the middle of the park.
Celtic hold talks to sign “brilliant” midfielder
According to journalist Rodri Vázquez (via Sport Witness), Celtic have now held talks to sign Club Nacional de Football’s Agustín Dos Santos, speaking directly with the Uruguayan club, while also making contact with his entourage.
It is suggested the Scottish Premiership champions may be able to get a deal done for a relatively low fee, should Club Nacional de Football be willing to sanction a departure, given that his contract is due to expire at the end of 2027.
At just 18-years-old, the midfielder may not be a ready-made replacement for Engels, as he has only made 18 senior appearances for his current club, registering his first assist in a 2-1 Copa Libertadores victory against Tolima back in April.
Crafting opportunities is one of the strings to the youngster’s bow, according to youth scout Alfred Frank, who said: “Despite his size, he’s got great energy to him, providing brilliant work rate on both ends of the pitch, often fighting to win the ball back before carrying it to the final third.
“His also got decent creativity in his game which makes him all the more valuable in those danger areas.”
At international level, the Uruguayan has also impressed for the U17 side, netting in a victory against Argentina.
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