Celtic have been courting interest in two big talents at the club over the past couple of days but have so far rejected advances.
The Scottish Sun reports that Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest came in with a six-figure bid for 18-year-old prospect Rocco Vata but that it was immediately turned down by the Bhoys.
Celtic now intend to tie him down to a new, long-term contract. Not only that, but the plan is now to change his position from a wide player into a more central striker. So that’s a situation to watch closely over the coming months.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports reported that Celtic have knocked back a big £10m offer for midfielder Matt O’Riley from English Championship side Leeds United. The Bhoys’ stance on the Danish youth international is that he is not for sale this summer.
It remains to be seen whether there will be renewed interest in either player on deadline day. Anything is possible before the window shuts, but it seems Celtic are keen on retaining both.
That the club also have a firm plan for Vata is a positive, too, given that clubs across Europe are said to be monitoring his situation with less than a year left on his contract.
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Celtic have drafted in a number of wing options during the summer transfer window, so Vata’s chances of getting minutes on the flanks have been significantly reduced. If he is now in the mix to play centrally, that could unlock opportunities for him.
Sealing a long-term deal for the player is now the priority. That will then give everyone a bit of security and room to progress without a deadline looming on his time at Celtic.
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