Celtic are said to be leading the race to sign Jose Cifuentes this summer.
The 20-year-old Ecuadorian has been linked with the Hoops throughout the summer transfer window but now it’s being reported that Celtic are closer than ever to bringing him to the club.
The Scotsman say that the Hoops are in “pole position” for Cifuentes – ahead of English champions Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side are said to be keen on Cifuentes but would struggle to obtain a word permit for player who is yet to be capped at full international level.
Work permit rules are more relaxed in Scotland meaning that Celtic could benefit greatly. The America de Quito midfielder is also said to be keen on a move to Neil Lennon’s side.
Cifuentes is also reported to be attracting interest from clubs in Germany and Italy. That means that Celtic may have to move fast to get their man.
Will Celtic move for Cifuentes?
There does seem to be something strange going on with Celtic and Ecuadorians this summer. The Hoops were recently linked with a move for Sergio Quintero – an international youth teammate of Cifuentes.
Lennon was asked about Quintero and claimed he’d never heard the player’s name. That led many to suggest that some journalists had got their wires crossed and it was actually Cifuentes who Celtic were courting all along.
There does seem to be something to this move for the 20-year-old but time will tell if anything comes of it. He’s certainly looks like hot property.
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