Celtic target Vinicius Souza has turned down the chance to return to the Belgium top flight with Club Brugge, according to reports.
The midfielder is currently contracted to second division side Lommel, who are part of the City group.
Last season, the Brazilian spent the campaign on loan at KV Mechelen and was a standout in the side which finished 7th in the league.
Souza is highly rated by the City group and is now expected to spend another season out on loan to continue his development.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to join Ange Postecoglou’s side and his representatives are believed to have held talks with Celtic.
However, the Bhoys aren’t the only side chasing Souza, with clubs from across Europe attempting to secure his services next season.
Teams from Netherlands, Turkey and Belgium have all been linked and the wanted midfielder has already turned down a few offers.
According to reports in Belgium from Het Nieuwsblad, the latest side Souza has rejected a move to is Club Brugge.
The report also states that the reasoning behind the rejection is due to the Brazilian under-20 internationalist being keen to test himself in another country.
Celtic well amongst the fight for Souza.
It appears that Celtic are well amongst the fight for the impressive midfielder as Souza takes some time to decide where his future lies.
When you take into consideration that reports have stated the City group are keen to see the Lommel man on loan at Parkhead, the Hoops could arguably be considered one of the favourites.
Whilst it will be a tough battle to bring a talent such as Souza on board, Celtic are definitely in a good place and have the carrot of Champions League football to offer the Brazilian.
The coming weeks should determine where Souza’s future will lie, and Celtic fans will be hoping he chooses Parkhead.
In other news, Celtic make class ticket announcement as hype increases around new season.
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