Celtic have been heavily linked with Mat Ryan, but they may well miss out on signing him as Real Sociedad close in.
The Bhoys have brought in Ange Postecoglou as their new manager, and links to Australian players is no great shock given that Postecoglou managed the Socceroos.
Aaron Mooy has been suggested as a possible target, but the strongest link back to Postecoglou’s time with Australia has been Mat Ryan.
The goalkeeper is back at Brighton and Hove Albion after a loan spell at Arsenal, but is expected to move on after losing his place to Robert Sanchez.
Celtic have been heavily linked with Ryan, and he appeared to hint at a move to Glasgow just a matter of days ago.
Speaking on FOX Sports in Australia, Ryan was asked whether he preferred haggis or paella, a reference to his decision on whether to join Celtic or Real Sociedad.
Ryan picked haggis, hinting that he was keen on a move to Celtic – and he even talked up his relationship with Postecoglou from the national team.
Now though, Ryan’s former Club Brugge teammate Victor Vazquez has told Mundo Deportivo that the goalkeeper is ‘eager’ to battle with Alex Remiro for the starting role at Real Sociedad, suggesting a move is very close.
Vazquez even added that, despite Ryan’s haggis comment last week, he loves the culture and food in Spain and is looking forward to going back there – seemingly ruling out a move to Celtic after all.
“Maty is super motivated, super happy and eager to fight Remiro for the position,” said Vazquez.
”The time in Valencia left him with a very good taste in his mouth, even though he didn’t play as much as he wanted. He has always been very attached to Spain, he loves its culture and its gastronomy,” he added.
Update: Real Sociedad have now confirmed Ryan’s signing, meaning Celtic have officially missed out on the shot-stopper.
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