Report: Celtic eyeing £2.5 million South American starlet

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Celtic are apparently keen on signing Ecuadorian starlet Jose Cifuentes.

According to The Sun, the 20-year-old has caught Neil Lennon’s eye and was his country’s standout player at the recent U20 World Cup.

The America de Quito midfielder’s stock is rising, and Premier League champions Manchester City are also keen. There is also interest from clubs in Germany and Italy.

City boss Pep Guardiola wants to snap him up and then loan him to Girona amid fears of initial work permit issues.

Celtic would not face those issues though with permit laws slightly more relaxed in Scotland, so the Hoops may have the upper hand.

TBR’s view

Cifuentes is a real talent and would bring explosive power to Celtic’s midfield.

He plays largely at the base of midfield, but does have the ability to surge forward and join attacks.

Celtic have some good options at the moment with the likes of Scott Brown, Ryan Christie, Callum McGregor and Tom Rogic, with Nir Bitton in reserve and Olivier Ntcham tipped to leave.

With the exception of Brown who is ageing, none of them have much bite to go along with their technical quality, so Cifuentes could be a welcome addition for the future.