Scottish giants Celtic FC are looking to make some quality transfer additions this summer to challenge Steven Gerrard and his team, who stormed their way to an unbeaten league win last time around.
The 25 point difference between the two clubs last season has been a serious point of discussion at Parkhead and new manager Ange Postecoglou has been tasked with rectifying that this season.
Ange Postecoglou is looking for quality additions in both attacking and defensive departments in this summer transfer window and as per reports Celtic have been handed a boost in their bid to sign two of them, namely Mario Vuskovic and Gyrano Kerk.
Celtic have been tracking 19-year-old Croatian defender Mario Vuskovic, who currently plays for HNK Hajduk Split for some time now. The Hoops targeted the player back in January but failed to sign him in the final hours. Now, the centre-back wants to make a switch in the summer as several top European sides have registered their interest in the player.
Serie A side Torino have been battling with Celtic for the Hajduk defender, but it now seems that the Hoops have become the front-runners for his signature. According to reports, Celtic have offered Mario Vuskovic £12,000-a-week salary on a four-year deal, which is more than double Torino’s financial package.
Torino wanted to land the 19-year-old defender but Celtic’s offer has left them in the dust. The transfer fee for Mario Vuskovic is being reported to be around £5 million which falls within Celtic ‘s intended budget for him.
Celtic transfer news round up as Mario Vuskovic and Gyrano Kerk updates offer signing encouragement https://t.co/bEK5B8Uc5q pic.twitter.com/lsUFLayE22
— Daily Record Sport (@Record_Sport) June 26, 2021
Meanwhile, Celtic might have received another transfer boost in their pursuit of 25-year-old Utrecht winger Gyrano Kerk. The right-winger was quite impressive last season for the Eredivisie club with 9 goals and 7 assists from 38 games in all competitions. Going by their manager’s latest comments, Utrecht seem unable to offer any guarantees of being able to keep the player for the next season and have placed the ball in Celtic’s court now with his comments.
Utrecht manager Rene Hake spoke to VI (via Daily Record) about Kerk’s transfer situation:
“He is a player with specific qualities. I can imagine that clubs of a different standing than FC Utrecht find him very interesting.
But if something is going on, the question is whether it will get done. Last season there was a lot of movement, but in the end, he just stayed with Utrecht for the season.”
However, Celtic have received a significant transfer blow regarding Ecuadorian young defender Piero Hincapie. According to reports, the 19-year-old centre-back has attracted interest from some of the biggest European clubs because of his stunning performances in the Copa America 2021. Celtic have been keeping tabs on the player for a while already, but now face competition from clubs like Lazio, AC Milan, and Bayern Munich because of his limelight worthy performances with Ecuador.
Recent reports state that the Atletico Talleres de Cordoba player is close to a move to Italy. According to Talleres’ president, the Argentinian club is in advanced talks with a team in Italy and a move may be finalised soon. Talleres President Andrss Fassi told El Desmarque (via Daily Record):
“We’re in very advanced talks with a team from Italy. “
“We’ll see how things progress next week. He’s already made for European football.”
Next season will be tough for the new Celtic boss as the Rangers are looking at quality recruitments in this transfer window with the aim of atleast securing a Champions League group stage berth. Postecoglou needs to address a couple of situations at Parkhead such as the imminent future or departure of key players like – Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie, and Kris Ajer.
High-intensity clashes can be expected in the Old Firm Derby this season season as both sides are presently polishing their armours and looking to strengthen their repertoire ahead the upcoming season. With financial problems plaguing their cross town rivals, Celtic are in an advantageous position in this summers transfer market and need to channel that onto the pitch with quality additions to the squad and players like Mario Vuskovic could well be the start.
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