Celtic are interested in Bolivian wonderkid Moises Paniagua, according to a report.
Despite uncertainty over the permanent status of Martin O’Neill, the Hoops have still been linked with plenty of players with a view to the summer transfer window.
Some of the reported targets are familiar names: Andy Robertson, Elijah Just, Mat Ryan. However, Paniagua certainly comes from the left field.
A prodigy of the Bolivian national team, the 18-year-old currently plays for Wydad Casablanca.
Celtic have bloated their squad with a high volume of ‘project’ signings over the last decade…
Celtic joined by Mexican side Monterrey in race for Moises Paniagua
According to Bolivian journalist Kikai Scouting, Wydad have confirmed Celtic’s interest in Paniagua.
They are joined in the race by Mexican giants Monterrey.
READ MORE: Martin O’Neill explains Junior Adamu’s return to Celtic squad vs St Mirren
Wydad have invested heavily in their playing squad since the financial boost of the FIFA Club World Cup last summer.
Paniagua’s surprise move to Morocco came after a move to Russia collapsed. He is on loan in North Africa, with an option to make the move permanent on a four-year deal.
A right-footed left-winger, the teenager scored in both the semi-final and final of Bolivia’s intercontinental play-offs for World Cup qualification earlier this month.
They were ultimately beaten in the final by Iraq, so won’t be at this summer’s tournament. They face Scotland in a pre-tournament friendly in New Jersey.
Understandably, Paniagua is already seen as a star in his home country. Though yet to make his mark on European football, his performances for the national team have turned heads.
If Celtic were to pursue him this summer, it would be a case of Wydad activating his option to buy before selling him immediately.
Among his Wydad teammates are ex-Chelsea and Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech and France striker Wissam Ben Yedder. They are managed by ex-Lyon and Sunderland defender Patrice Carteron.
You have been given £10m to sign one player for Celtic in the summer transfer window…
Which player are you spending that money on?
Celtic’s winger situation
To say that Celtic face a headache on the winger front this summer would be an understatement.
James Forrest’s contract is yet to be renewed, though the Hoops hero has voiced his intention to stay. Hyunjun Yang has enjoyed the best season of his Parkhead career.
The jury is still out for Sebastian Tounekti, but for Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Joel Mvuka, the writing appears to be on the wall.
Fares Ghedjemis was among the wingers pursued by the Celts in the summer.
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