Celtic have been linked with a swoop for Ecuador under-20 international Sergio Quintero.
Ecuadorian outlet El Diario report that the Hoops are in the running for the 20-year-old who plays in midfield. South American clubs National and Emelec are also reported to be interested in the youngster who plays for Imbabura.
Quintero is currently playing for his national side at the under-20 World Cup in Poland. He netted a late half-volley in their round of 16 victory over Uruguay on Monday and is said to have had a good tournament.
Quintero will come up against a former Celtic man on Saturday when Ecuador face the USA. Timothy Weah is playing for the US and has one goal to his name for the tournament – a neat winner against Qatar in the group stage.
Encouraging signs
It’s very difficult to find out too much about the 20-year-old Quintero. He’s playing in a league that isn’t very well covered on this of the globe. He’s also just turned 20 so hasn’t played a great deal of football at youth international level.
If the report is to be believed then it must be encouraging for Celtic fans. In recent days we’ve been linked with numerous players from England. While these guys may come in and be hits at the club, it is disappointing to see that the scouting net isn’t being cast wider.
It’s important that Celtic continue to look in the lesser known regions and countries to bring potential stars to the club. The English market is heavily inflated and we will be made to play the maximum for any players we want. It makes sense to look elsewhere, into places where we can unearth some diamonds.
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