Brendan Rodgers claims Celtic have beaten 24 clubs to sign Charly Musonda

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Celtic are set to tie up the signing of Chelsea’s Charly Musonda.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has told STV that the Bhoys are beating competition from 24 clubs to sign Chelsea talent Charly Musonda.

The Bhoys have tied up deals for Marvin Compper and Lewis Morgan this month, but another new signings is on the way ahead of Wednesday’s transfer deadline.

Speculation over recent days has suggested that Celtic are on the verge of signing Chelsea youngster Charly Musonda on loan, and that deal appears to be on the brink of completion.

Musonda, 21, was a top young talent in his native Belgium before leaving Anderlecht for Chelsea in 2012, with many tipping him for a huge future.

However, the playmaker has struggled for playing time at Stamford Bridge, playing just seven first-team games for the Blues, whilst he spent 2016 out on loan at Real Betis in Spain.

After being an unused substitute against Newcastle United in the FA Cup on Sunday, it now seems that Musonda will be heading out on loan again in order to sign for Celtic.

Speaking today, Celtic boss Rodgers talked up Musonda’s imminent arrival, claiming he is a ‘really exciting’ addition for the club and a ‘great coup’ for the Bhoys given that 24 clubs wanted to sign him this month too.

Rodgers, as quoted by STV, added that he thinks Musonda is exciting and dynamic, and will help Celtic’s numbers in the squad given that they have been unlucky with injuries of late.

“It’s a really exciting prospect for the club,” said Rodgers. “Charly is a big talent I’ve known for a few years now. He’s really one of the shining lights within the Chelsea academy and has progressed through, had various loans out and has then been a part of their first-team squad. I think there was up to 24 clubs interested in taking Charly so for him to want to come here and Chelsea to happily want him to come then it’s a great coup for us as a football club.”

“It’s also a great opportunity for Charly to come into one of the great clubs and get the opportunity to show his talent. He’s a really exciting player, really dynamic, wonderful ability on the ball, works very hard. Loves his football, he’s a bright player. We’ve maybe been unfortunate this season with injuries whereas last year we got lucky. We’ve had a number of injuries to our creative players so him coming in will add that creativity to our game. I’m really excited to work with him,” he added.