Celtic have been given a boost in their reported bid to sign Astana midfielder Ivan Basic. The Hoops are on the lookout for a new midfielder this summer as they brace themselves for the likely exit of Arne Engels.
Engels is a bright talent who still has plenty of room to develop, and a number of clubs have recognised that. Premier League clubs offered advances back in January, and Celtic held firm, but it's likely a deal will be reached this summer, albeit at just as big a fee.
Celtic need to prepare for that eventuality, and reports suggest Martin O'Neill already has a target in mind this summer.
Basic likely to be available
Earlier this week, Bosnia and Herzegovina international Ivan Basic emerged as a possible Celtic target, and the player's club manager Grigoriy Babayan has admitted a sale could well take place this summer.
“We have to be realistic and accept that Ivan’s participation at the World Cup is an important moment in his career and could open the way for him to move to a stronger European league," he said, as cited by The Herald.
“We understand this guy has a great career ahead of him. He can prove himself at this level and move on to a top league. We have no right to stand in his way.
“Of course we would rather keep him in the team because he is extremely important to us, but I believe it is right to support the player in his development.”
Celtic handed an open door
While Basic's World Cup performances could see his price increase, he is likely to be an affordable buy for Celtic, likely available for below ÂŁ3million. The Bhoys could pocket as much as ÂŁ25million for Engels this summer.
The catch is likely that any deal will have to wait until after the World Cup, with players usually blocking off all transfer communications during the tournament. Although, the Bhoys are free to agree a deal with Astana should they wish to, likely then having to wait on the player.
Basic has already played one, with Bosnia and Herzegovina picking up a point in their opening game against hosts Canada. The midfielder started that game and played just over an hour.
Celtic may well be watching closely as Basic and his nation attempt to progress from the group stage, and they are likely only two more points away from doing so.
Add us as a preferred source on Google