Tutto Mercato journalist Gianluigi Longari believes that Bristol City’s Celtic-linked winger Niclas Eliasson is the subject of transfer discussions with Aston Villa.
The Bristol Post reported earlier this summer that the likes of Celtic, Lazio and Fenerbahce had all been credited with an interest in the Swedish under-21 international.
This led to the player admitting that he was “flattered” to be linked to the clubs who were apparently monitoring him. He also stated, however, that he was leaving all transfer matters in the hands of his agent (fotbollskanalen).
But Longari believes that Premier League side Villa are now in direct discussions with Bristol over a switch for the winger:
Eliasson produced the most productive season of his career last term, contributing to 15 goals directly via 12 assists and three goals (Transfermarkt).
A solid option to a long-term Parkhead problem?
Eliasson is an interesting commodity given the fact he can play on both flanks and clearly has an eye for a good cross.
In addition to that, this is the kind of market we should be looking at. Players who have impressed in the Championship but don’t appear to be going for mega-fees. Talents like Eliasson appear to represent good value.
Celtic have also had a long-term problem with the lack of competition for James Forrest. Forrest has always been at his best when he’s had a direct rival ahead of him such as Patrick Roberts. Eliasson could be a solid option in that sense.
The Swede also wouldn’t force Celtic to break the bank if they wanted to get him. He’s now into the final year of his contract (Transfermarkt), meaning that it would be good business sense for Bristol to listen to offers now as opposed to losing him for nothing next year.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look as though Celtic are going to follow up any interest we may have had in him. And with Premier League football on offer, it could be tough to persuade him his future would be brighter up north.
However, even if Eliasson does sign for Villa or elsewhere, a right-winger should be a top priority before the window closes.
In other news, a player Lennon said was staying at home has appeared on international duty.
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