- Real Valladolid are aware of Parkhead side’s interest in Raul Moro but are still awaiting an offer
- Ajax are yet to meet La Liga side’s asking price despite making former Spain Under-21s international a priority signing
- Relegation threatened side need to sell 22-year-old star in order to strengthen other areas of team
Celtic are weighing up an offer for Real Valladolid’s coveted £8.5million-rated winger Raul Moro.
Equally comfortable on either flank, Ajax have made the former Spain Under-21 international a priority signing.
Despite technical director Alex Kroes publicly confirming his interest in the 22-year-old earlier this week, the Dutch giants have yet to meet Real Valladolid’s asking price.
The breakout star of a club battling to avoid relegation from La Liga, Moro is likely to leave this month to finance signings needed to strengthen other areas in the team.
Real Valladolid are aware of Celtic’s interest in their prize asset, but have yet to receive a financial proposal.
Speaking this week, Ajax’s Kroes confirmed: ‘We are interested in Raul Moro, yes. Moro can play on both the left and right wings.’
Winger Raul Moro, who can play right or left wing, is attracting interest from Celtic and Ajax
Spaniard Moro, above right, in full flight for Real Valladolid against Getafe
Celtic are close to securing the return of Kieran Tierney from Arsenal
Initially signed from Lazio on a one-year loan deal, Moro earned a permanent contract after helping Real Valladolid to promotion last season, and has claimed four goals in 19 appearances so far this term.
Scouring the market for a wide player, Celtic also have an interest in Sarpsborg winger Sondre Orjasaeter.
Valued at £7m, the 21-year-old Norwegian has been extensively scouted, with Fiorentina, Parma and Nice also credited with an interest.
Brendan Rodgers is keen to strengthen his options in wide areas and allow Honduran winger Luis Palma to go out on loan in search of first-team football.
Celtic are close to securing the return of Kieran Tierney from Arsenal and the arrival of another winger would leave the possibility of one more signing if Kyogo Furuhashi leaves this month.
Turning 30 next week, the fans’ favourite is less keen on a switch to Atlanta United than the MLS side are on a move for him. The American club are now looking at other options, including Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath, former Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard and Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron.
It remains to be seen whether Tierney’s return happens this month or in the summer, but the 27-year-old is close to reaching a pre-contract agreement with his boyhood club.
As the left-back enters the final six months of his Gunners contract – worth £3m in wages – Celtic have yet to decide whether to pursue a loan deal late in the window if Italian club Como firm up their reported interest in Alex Valle.
