Celtic target Carl Starfelt only signed a new deal with Rubin Kazan on the understanding that he would be allowed to leave in the summer transfer window, per the Daily Record.
Starfelt penned a new deal with the Russian Premier Liga outfit in February that extended his terms to 2024. But the Swedish centre-back was already looking toward a future away from Ak Bars Arena. And he told Volzhane of those desires during the negotiations.
Starfelt believes he has a gentleman’s agreement with Rubin Kazan that allows him to leave, amid interest from Celtic. Volzhane will not stand in the defender’s way of a transfer, but only providing the interested party match their valuation.
Celtic are deep into talks with Rubin Kazan over a deal for Starfelt to move to Parkhead this summer. The Hoops only want to pay £4m, however, despite Ange Postecoglou marking the 26-year-old as his top defensive target.
Postecoglou is desperate to acquire new options in central defence, full-back and on the wings. A new centre-half is a high priority for the new Celtic boss, with Starfelt considered the replacement for Kristoffer Ajer.
Postecoglou is also monitoring Hajduk Split’s Mario Vuskovic in case Celtic cannot agree a deal with Rubin Kazan for Starfelt. The Scottish Sun, though, have reported that a transfer is close, as Starfelt wants to move to Parkhead this summer.
Celtic land another advantage in Starfelt chase
Celtic have landed another advantage in their chase of Postecoglou’s’ top defensive target with Starfelt having a gentleman’s agreement to leave Rubin Kazan this summer. His desire to be a Hoops player is also obviously a big boost to the Greek manager’s pursuit.
Both player and manager wanting to work together should see Starfelt make an immediate impact at Celtic, too. While a move to Parkhead adds another tier to the £14,000-per-week enforcer’s continued rise.
Two years ago, he was still playing in the Allsvenskan before joining Rubin Kazan for his first spell outside of Sweden. Leonid Slutsky made him wait until the following March for his breakthrough, but has since been a mainstay and made his international debut in October.
Now, Starfelt looks set for a move to the Premiership as Celtic strive to wrestle back the title from Rangers. The three-cap defender may also cement his international acclaim by making a name for himself at Parkhead after being overlooked for Euro 2020 this summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
