Celtic’s right-back search has reportedly seen the Scottish Premiership champions target Belgian defender Castagne, of Serie A outfit Atalanta.
Celtic have been left frustrated so far in their pursuit of a new long-term right-back.
Despite making Italian flyer Cristiano Piccini their top target, according to the Daily Record, he swapped Sporting Lisbon for Valencia instead for £7 million. A few months later, Connor Roberts signed a new contract at Swansea City despite interest from the Scottish Premiership champions (the Express).
And it seems that Timothy Castagne might be another that gets away.
Celtic are understood to be keen on the solid Atalanta defender, who has forced his way into the Belgium squad recently on the back of some impressive performances in Serie A.
The Scottish Sun, however, reported that Atalanta are demanding a colossal £10 million, which makes a move to Celtic unlikely as Brendan Rodgers’ side would have to smash their transfer record to bring Castagne to Glasgow.
And, speaking to Cittaceleste, the 23-year-old’s agent has now broken his silence about the situation, suggesting that a move to Lazio, rather than Celtic, is on the cards.
“The chance to see him at (Lazio) is concrete,” Ulisse Savini said. “Lazio (sporting director) Igli Tare likes the player.
“In Italy there is also Fiorentina keen on the player and abroad there are some German clubs.”
Savini also pointed out that Atalanta paid £6 million to sign Castagne from Genk in 2017 and believes it is ‘impossible’ that he will be allowed to leave the Bergamo-based club now for less than £10 million.
Celtic certainly need a right-back but whether they have £10 million to spend on one player is doubtful.
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