According to Marca, Atletico Madrid wonderkid Rodrigo Riquelme looks set for a loan move to Reading despite links to Celtic.
It’s claimed that Riquelme is already training with Reading ahead of completing his move to the Madejski Stadium.
Three other English clubs allegedly wanted Riquelme, but he trained with them on Monday, played against Portimonense on Tuesday and is returning to England with them today.
There is just one thing holding the deal up, and that’s that Atletico want to get his contract extended before sending him out on loan.
Riquelme is out of contract next summer, and Atletico understandably want to ensure his long-term future is with them rather than risk losing him in a year.
The news ultimately means that Celtic won’t be signing Riquelme, despite strong links to the Spanish winger for many months now.
The 20-year-old has emerged as a top prospect at Atletico, and has already made his league debut under Diego Simeone.
Mundo Deportivo noted last month that Celtic had asked about signing Riquelme, and Atletico were considering selling him.
However, they now look set to keep him and loan him to Reading, meaning Neil Lennon and Celtic will have to look elsewhere if they want a new winger.
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