Celtic are in the market for additions this summer and midfield has been identified as an area where reinforcements could occur before the deadline.
In recent days, Dundee captain Luke McCowan and Augsburg talent Arne Engels have been named as players the Bhoys could target to strengthen the engine room.
Both clubs could be open to cashing in on their prize assets, but there has been no official documentation of bids for either at this point in the window.
With two weeks remaining, give or take, it is important to remember that names linked earlier in the summer could resurface as their situation becomes clearer.
That appears to be the case with Lausanne-Sport midfielder Alvyn Sanches. Celtic showed an interest in the £4.3 million-rated Switzerland Under-21 international back in June, with Mailsport’s Stephen McGowan now confirming he is back on the radar as a potential replacement for Matt O’Riley.
Former Celtic man Ramon Vega is a big fan and has weighed in on why Brendan Rodgers should consider bringing the 21-year-old to Glasgow’s east end.
Ramon Vega on Alvyn Sanches
Per The Celtic Way, Vega believes Sanches has picked up valuable experience in the Swiss top flight and could go on to become a profitable asset in the future should Celtic acquire the talent this month.
He explained: “Alvyn Sanches is a good prospect, especially for a club like Celtic. He is a great talent. I have read that Celtic are in the market for a Matt O’Riley replacement. To fill that void will be very difficult. If Celtic signed Sanches now then he could make them a lot of money in resell value in two to three years.
If Sanches signed for Celtic now and he did well, I could see him becoming Celtic’s next £20 to £25 million-plus player just like O’Riley.
Later, he added: “Everybody is talking about Sanches in Switzerland. He is a player that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers could get to work with and help him progress and develop his game. Brendan is the right type of manager for him in his career at this stage to help him improve his levels.
“He is an exciting prospect and he has played over 100 games for Lausanne and has amassed some great experience. To have played that many games in any league says a lot about your character.”
Alvyn Sanches could be a smart signing for Celtic
Sanches has shown real promise in his homeland, registering 14 goals and seven assists in 88 appearances for Lausanne-Sport.
Last term, he created 27 chances and completed 33 successful dribbles, so he is definitely someone with the potential to thrive under Brendan Rodgers’ watch [Fotmob].
Ultimately, if O’Riley does depart this window amid interest from elsewhere, replacing him would be a difficult path to follow. There may be a scenario where the creative burden would need to be shared rather than foisting his responsibilities on the shoulders of a new addition.
However, you should take every player on their own merits. Sanches could be a smart signing for the Bhoys if they choose to firm up their initial admiration.
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