After being linked with players like Hugo Bueno, Owen Beck and Owen Wijndal this summer, Celtic appear to have decided to bring in a short-term solution to their depth issues at left-back with Greg Taylor being the only genuine option in that position right now. FC Barcelona's Alex Valle seems to be on the verge of joining the Scottish champions on a loan deal.
Valle has not made a single senior appearance for Barcelona so far. But the 20-year-old did feature in Hansi Flick's plans this pre-season.
He is versatile enough to play as a right-back if the situation calls for it. And Celtic do seem to be focusing on versatility at the moment. They also have been linked with Mateusz Bogusz of LAFC in recent days. He can play as a forward, winger or playmaker.
If everything goes according to plan, Valle will be a Celtic player next week. With the deal close, some details have emerged regarding his contract at Parkhead.
Key details emerge about Alex Valle's contract with Celtic
As tweeted by Fabrizio Romano, Valle will travel to Glasgow with his agent on Monday to undergo his medical and sign as a Celtic player. It is a loan deal with no buyout option.
It looks like the Hoops are set to shell out a significant amount in wages as well. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Celtic will pay his entire fee, which amounts to €1.5 million.
Of course, a permanent deal in the future can never be ruled out completely. If Valle ends up doing well, Celtic might try to make it happen next summer, just like they brought back Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo this time.
That is a thought for another day though. The focus has to be on getting this deal over the line, finding a replacement for Matt O'Riley and strengthening in a few other positions.