Celtic face a fresh fight from Dutch giants Ajax in the battle to land Brazilian ace Vinicius Souza.
Parkhead boss Ange Postecoglou is hunting new recruits for the campaign with the highly-rated midfielder on the radar.
Souza has a host of options at his disposal as he steps up the career ladder having spent last term on loan at KV Mechelen from fellow Belgians Lommel.
The 22-year-old’s signature is sought after with Turkish giants Fenerbahce, Club Brugge and Italians Bologna in the race.
PSV Eindhoven are also keen and their Dutch rivals Ajax have also now joined the joust for Souza’s services.
The Samba star is keen for European football at his next destination.
And, just like Celtic and Brugge, Ajax are in position to offer the player automatic entry to the group stages of the Champions League after pipping PSV to the Eredivisie title last term under the management of new Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag.
Former Brugge boss Alfred Schreuder is taking over and sources in Belgium have confirmed to Record Sport he’s keen on capturing Souza from Lommel, who are owned by City Football Group.
Celtic remain strong contenders in the chase and a decision is expected next week on where the kid heads next in his career.
Postecoglou is looking to strengthen in various areas with keeper Benjamin Siegrist on the list.
The former Dundee United star is available as a free agent and talks are ongoing between the 30-year-old’s advisors over a switch to Parkhead.
Joe Hart, who has been handed the No.1 shirt for next term, is first pick.
However, the departure of Greek Vasilis Barkas on a loan deal to FC Utrecht has left a space to be filled in the back-up department alongside Scott Bain and Siegrist is being lined up.
Celtic are also eyeing Argentinian full-back Alexandro Bernabei with the defender’s future, like Souza, set to be decided shortly.
The 21-year-old’s club Lanus are braced for a departure with the left-back heading to Europe.
Reports in Argentina have stated that a first offer from Celtic chiefs has been rejected, but Bernabei will go if his club gets the right financial proposal.
The talented youngster has been left out of his club’s two games as negotiations over his sale continue behind the scenes with Glasgow amongst the potential destinations.
Meanwhile, Luca Connell has signed for Barnsley on a free transfer.
The 21-year-old penned a three-year deal at Oakwell after struggling to make his mark for the Scottish champions.
