However, Brendan Rodgers’ side face competition for the Steaua Bucharest man, with a club other than Celtic said to have a bid on the table.
Steaua Bucharest’s Ovidiu Popescu [right] in action against Manchester City
Celtic have discussed the signing of Steaua Bucharest playmaker Ovidiu Popescu, the Romanian club’s owner has claimed via the Scottish Sun.
The Bhoys are said to have watched the 23-year-old in action against Dinamo Bucharest on Sunday.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers admitted last week that he is keen to recruit a Champions League-quality central midfielder this summer and Popescu – who can also play out wide and has appeared at right-back this season – would appear to fit the bill.
However, Steaua chairman George Becali insists the Romania under-21 international won’t come cheap, and says he could cost the Scottish champions £8 million.
“Celtic came to watch him at the weekend and we’ve talked,” Becali told the Scottish Sun.
“There has already been an offer for him, although I won’t say from which club it was from.
“He has a release clause which isn’t unrealistic. Anderlecht paid us £8 million for Nicolae Stanciu and Ovidiu is just as good…probably better actually.
“When we signed him, I told him within a year or two I would guarantee him a move to a big club in Europe where he is paid a big salary and that’s what will happen.
“He’s the most exciting player to come from Romania in years. He’s not going to be sold for nothing.”
Steaua paid a mere £200,000 to sign Popescu from Timisoara in July 2016, and Becali – who likens the player to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard – believes he could one day be worth 125 times that amount.
“He will be worth £25 million one day. He’s a central midfielder, who can also play right back – he’s so versatile,” Becali added.
Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard
“He runs at opponents and humiliates them when he gets past them. No one can keep up with him with that initial five yard burst of pace.”
Celtic wrapped up their sixth successive Premiership crown with a 5-0 win against Hearts on Sunday.
Would Popescu be a good signing for Celtic?
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