Celtic are reportedly one of several teams interested in signing Real Valladolid starlet Ivan Fresneda.
Everton are thought to be leading the race to sign the teenage defender, with AS claiming that the Toffees have already made an approach to the La Liga club. But Radio Marca Valladolid claim Celtic have also joined the race, along with Spanish rivals Villarreal and a multitude of clubs from across Europe, including Ac Milan, Juventus and Celtic’s friendly conquerors last weekend, Stade Rennais .
The 18-year-old right back has represented Spain at Under 19 level and is seen as one of the most talented of his age group in Europe in his position. Ange Postecoglou has already added Alistair Johnston to his squad in that position and despite the Canadian’s claims that he isn’t a proactive replacement for Josip Juranovic, it’s looking increasingly likely that the Croat will be the subject of big offers next month.
Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Newcastle have all been linked, while Torino are understood to have made contact with Celtic. Should the Croatia star - who played in their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina on Tuesday night - move on, then Johnston and Anthony Ralston would compete for the right back spot in the Premiership champions’ backline.
However, Fresneda could be seen as one for the future and provide a good back up option to either in case of injury. Whether he’d be content with being third in the pecking order given the interest from elsewhere is unknown, but he fits the profile of player that Celtic are keen to bring in, develop then sell on for a profit.
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