Report: Celtic want 22-year-old who Real Madrid thought could replace Cristiano Ronaldo

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According to the Daily Record, Celtic are interested in signing Benfica forward Filipe Jota before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

What’s the story?

Well, Liam Scales was announced on Friday, while Georgios Giakoumakis is on the verge of joining the Irishman at Celtic Park.

However, that isn’t enough to satisfy Ange Postecoglou.

The Daily Record believe Jota has emerged as an option for the Bhoys, with a loan deal now in the pipeline and Benfica open to the move.

Last season, the 22-year-old spent time on loan at Real Vallodolid, where he scored one goal in 17 La Liga games.

The Daily Record believe Benfica are keen for him to gain more experience.

Jota was a huge player for Portugal’s Under-19 side as they won the European Championship in 2018, finishing as joint-top scorer with five goals.

Celtic target Filipe Jota could have replaced Cristiano Ronaldo

Interestingly, Real Madrid wanted Jota when he was just 19.

Spanish news outlet AS believe Los Blancos made an €18m (£15.4m) offer back in 2019, which was rejected by Benfica.

AS even claimed that Real Madrid viewed the Portuguese forward as a natural heir to Cristiano Ronaldo’s throne, which is quite a big deal.

Not many players are capable of replacing a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, so the fact Real Madrid felt Jota was capable of doing so speaks volumes.

Following Real Madrid’s offer, AS add that Benfica tried to raise Jota’s release clause to €120m (£102.8m).

By the sounds of it, he’s a huge talent, who is just waiting to explode in the right environment.

If Celtic get this deal over the line, Postecoglou’s attack could look seriously dangerous this season.