The transfer window still has plenty of life in it yet and having used the loan market to their advantage last season, it seems Celtic are keen to do the same again with Barcelona winger Alex Collado reportedly on the agenda.
The 23-year-old was a star turn for Granada on loan in the second half of last season and has returned to pre-season training looking to make his mark under new boss Xavi. According to Spanish journalist Albert Roge, he's viewed at Celtic as a real option to compete with Jota, Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda for the wide positions, with Ange Postecoglou keen on at least one more attacking option.
A graduate from the La Masia academy, Collado comes very highly-rated, although is now at an age where first-team football is pivotal. His spell with Granada in the second half of last season was his first substantial run of first-team action, as he racked up 17 appearances in all competitions, and he now wants to build on that with a full season of regular game-time.
With Collado's contract currently set to expire in 2023, it had appeared early on as if Barcelona might cash in - given their well-noted financial struggles. But noises from Diario AS soon put that to bed, claiming that Xavi faced a choice between keeping him or Moroccan winger Ez Abde, and opted to keep Collado, who is now expected to pen a one-year contract extension.
It was claimed he would be "given the chance" to impress Xavi in the early stages of the season, especially with registration issues still hanging over a number of players - including Ousmane Dembele and new winger Raphinha.
The latest U-turn stemming from Mundo Deportivo , however, suggests Collado isn't convinced by his role in the first-team. It's reported he has made a personal plea to Xavi to leave the club for somewhere he can make himself a regular.
Reports in Spain note "firm interest" from Celtic and Olympiacos, however Football Espana suggest it is more likely he will join another La Liga club, with Girona touted. In any case, it's now believed that Xavi agrees that a move away is best for his development.
It remains to be seen what sort of deal Celtic would favour although it's suggested Xavi would prefer a "dry" loan with no option or obligation to buy - feeling Collado's long-term future still lies at Camp Nou. That would seem to rule out another Jota-esque deal with a view to a permanent transfer down the line.
In addition to Collado, Celtic have also been linked with Marseille midfielder Bamba Dieng as Postecoglou looks to put the finishing touches on his squad. He could be viewed as an alternative to Collado, although there could be space in the squad for both - particularly if Albian Ajeti and Mikey Johnston are moved on as expected.
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