An early Ange Postecoglou transfer target for Celtic is attracting interest from the Premier League, a year after he was touted for a move to Glasgow.
Mario Vuskovic, then of Hajduk Split, was allegedly left out of the Croatian side’s matchday squad anticipating a move to Celtic last July.
That came after other Croatian reports that suggested Celtic had made a lucrative offer for his services.
Eventually, the 20-year-old would sign on with Hamburg SV, and Celtic would instead go on to sign Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Now, Hamburger Morgenpost have reported that Brentford are enquiring about the young defender – leaving an opening for Vuskovic to line up alongside the player he would have replaced in Glasgow, Kristoffer Ajer.
The same website last week debunked rumours that Hamburg had agreed a fee with Wolves for the Croatia U-21 international, but state that the Midlands club also remain interested.
Despite Celtic’s reported prior interest, Vuskovic seems likely to demand a fee that would exceed the club’s price range, with a significant outlay already committed on Cameron Carter-Vickers this summer.
Regardless, the Croatian fits the transfer profile that Celtic should be looking to recruit this summer to supplement the existing first team centre halves at the club.
He’s a young, progressive target who fits Postecoglou’s philosophy, but who also has room to develop and potentially sell on down the line.
Although firm interest from a high level may incite frustrations that Celtic never pulled the trigger to sign Vuskovic, Brentford’s interest also serves as an endorsement of the club’s ability to target high quality talent at a young age, given the London club’s much-lauded recruitment strategy.
In other news, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou eases Reo Hatate concerns.
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