Celtic are preparing to make a move for Mexican striker Ali Avila, who the Hoops could secure for under £4 million.
According to Celts Are Here, Celtic have been keeping a close eye on the forward. Currently playing his football for Queretaro, the 22-year-old has six goals in 10 games this season, and European outfits like Standard Liege and Dynamo Kyiv are also interested in his services.
His contract is set to expire in the summer, and Celtic are keen on making a move. Queretaro are reportedly interested in bringing him to the club regardless, and a deal could be possible for his market value, which currently sits around £3 million.
Scout Mark Cooper has been keeping watch of the striker, and reports say that Celtic will send out more scouts before the transfer window opens in the summer.
The player is an effective finisher, with a good conversion rate considering his limited gametime. Putting him in a Celtic team could be really effective, and the player would surely be keen to prove himself in Scotland.
Permanent No.9
Celtic are looking for a permanent number 9 and think that Avila could be the answer to their problems. They have found it hard to find a constant starter in that position, with players like Adam Idah and Kelechi Iheanacho both struggling to score regularly the more they played.
A player who has the instinct to shoot and score, while keeping himself calm, will be effective for the Celts. He seems to get himself into brilliant positions, and he is dangerous to get on the end of balls and knock them home. Despite his age, he has also represented Mexico at multiple youth levels, so he already has experience with different types of football.
With that being said, it looks like he may not be involved with build-up play. This could be a point of concern, depending on who we bring in on the wing. If we don't have creative players, he won't get goals, but if Celtic manages to bring in creativity in all areas of the park, he could thrive.
Any parts of Avila's game that don't entirely fit with Celtic could be solved. He is young and surely willing to learn. With a new manager coming in, if they fancy the striker, they could either build around him or coach him into their perfect player.
It's going to be interesting to see if this deal will go over the line. Wages are going to be a question, as the finances in the top flight of Mexican football aren't terrible. If his current team do offer him a deal, it would come down to Avila's personal ambitions. Let's hope Celtic is one of them.