Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Celtic’s Rocco Vata. The Irish winger has been linked with a departure from the Scottish Champions in recent weeks after it became clear that a new deal was not forthcoming.

Now, Romano has confirmed that Bologna are interested in signing the 18-year-old who is available on a pre-contract with a nominal fee being due to Celtic if a deal is struck or alternatively, Vata is available for a cut price deal this month..

🔴🔵🇮🇪 Excl: Bologna are interested in Celtic 18 year old talent Rocco Vata as potential opportunity for the January transfer window.

Talks expected to take place soon and more will follow as interest in Irish talent is now growing. pic.twitter.com/9Yod8p4nt9

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 8, 2024

It appears that the player and the club are keen to part ways as the Ireland U21 seeks further first-team opportunities, having shown good consistency for the Celtic second team. Vata has 18 appearances for Celtic B this season as well as an impressive haul of 11 goals to his name. However, he has made just four appearances for the First Team in his time with the club.

Celtic v Motherwell – cinch Premiership – Rocco Vata during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on Saturday April 22, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

READ THIS…Celtic’s Rocco Vata Mystery

Vata joined CAA Base Agency in the summer, which indicated that he would be likely to move on in the summer but no deal was forthcoming leaving him to be deployed in the Lowland Leagues by Stephen McManus and Darren O’Dea.

When Celtic were short of attacking options, Vata wasn’t included in the first team and it was clear that the player would be moving on. When guys like Mikey Johnston, Marco Tilio and Yang weren’t getting games, it was unlikely that Vata would be even close to first team involvement, which is a shame as there is obviously a talented player there.