Celtic have been told that they will need to pay £5.5m if they are to sign Fausto Vera. The defensive midfielder has emerged as a target following Vinicius Souza’s move to Espanyol. The 22-year-old has 18 months remaining on his deal with Argentinos Juniors, who have set their price amidst interest in their player.
According to reports, via The Daily Record, the asking price placed on the midfielder is £5.5m. Corinthians and Genk have had offers of around £3m rejected. It is said that the Argentine team will accept around £5m but will not be forced to sell the player on the cheap.
Celtic have already shelled out £16.75m this window in securing deals for Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, Benjamin Siegrist and Alexander Bernabei. However, there have been a number of exits across the first team as the manager clears a number of high wages out of the squad. Tom Rogic, Nir Bitton, Vasilis Barkas, Boli Bolingoli were all on decent wages and they have departed, albeit the Greek goalie is a loan deal to Utrecht. Liam Scales and Ismaila Soro also have departed on loan.
Callum McGregor is the preferred candidate in that deep midfield role. Although, in Europe, Ange may look to use two holding midfielders and move the captain into the left-sided No.8 role.