Reported Celtic target Edson Alvarez admits European desire as Neil Lennon confirms centre-back recruitment isn’t over

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Reported Celtic transfer target Edson Alvarez has confirmed he is ready to head to Europe this season. So should the Bhoys be back in the hunt?

Speaking to Goal this week the centre-back made it clear he is ready to quit Liga MX club America for European football. 

“Possibilities are opening up. I’m really happy to be more and more close to this dream that I desire with all my heart and, hopefully, it will be the best for me.”

Premier League sides Wolves and West Ham are currently scrapping over his transfer. The latest report from Portuguese site Record states a transfer fee of £10.5 million, but take that with a pinch of salt.

Celtic have also been linked in the past and Neil Lennon still wants another centre-back. The Celtic boss told the Daily Record of that plan, despite the acquisition of Christopher Julien from Toulouse. 

“Nir (Bitton) can play at the back, but it’s not ideal.

“Christopher (Julien) isn’t up to speed yet and we are still looking to strengthen there, too.”

Celtic reportedly made a move for Alvarez in the winter. ESPN reported that the offer Celtic made for the Club America defender came to the value of $6.5 million (£5.1 million). That valuation fell well short of the Liga MX side’s valuation of the player.

Mediotiempo later reported Alvarez as having a buyout clause of over £8 million in his contract, but the exact figure is not fully disclosed.

It might well be that Alvarez is slightly too expensive for Celtic. However, Celtic’s ability to offer Champions League football can always give them a trump card when bringing in a player from other continents.

Pairing him with Julien could give the Bhoys a dream centre-back partnership at Parkhead.