According to Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, Sampdoria have held talks with the representatives of Barcelona talent Alex Collado.
It’s claimed that Sampdoria have made the first move for Collado, in the hope of adding him to Claudio Ranieri’s squad.
Barcelona are open to loaning Collado out this summer, with a purchase option in the deal and then a buy-back clause once the move becomes permanent.
Sampdoria now lead the race for Collado, and the news may come as something of a blow to Celtic’s hopes of landing the Spaniard.
The Scottish Daily Mail (23/09, back page and p86), reported earlier today that Celtic are pursuing a deal for Collado with Nick Hammond particularly keen on him.
Collado, 21, hit five goals and five assists for Barcelona B last season, playing predominantly as a right-sided winger who cuts in on his left foot.
Celtic now appear to be lagging behind Sampdoria in the race for Collado, but at least Barcelona are very open to letting him go.
The Bhoys now need to move quickly if they’re to beat Sampdoria to Collado’s signature, with the Italian side ramping up their own move for the Spanish attacker.
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