Premiership champions Celtic are on the verge of signing in-demand Barcelona left-back Alex Valle on a season-long loan deal.And boss Brendan Rodgers has been hailed as the game-changer who has convinced the Spain youth international to head to Glasgow - after extending his contract in Catalonia by a further season.
It's set to be a frenetic week with Rodgers guaranteeing punters cash will be spent after Matt O'Riley's exit. Valle could be the first in the door, with Celtic understood to have agreed a 12-month agreement for the 20-year-old left-back followed by a potential £2.5m permanent deal down the line.And leading Barcelona insider Gerard Romero - regarded as the man with the finger on the pulse inside the club – claims the Irishman proved the difference in leading Valle to Glasgow.
Romero stated: "Àlex Valle renews his contract with Barça for a season and goes on loan to Celtic. Brendan Rogers is a key player in the player's departure to Glasgow.
He has convinced him to join his project. He will travel for a medical and join the group." Chairman Peter Lawwell copped flak from some fans on Sunday amid frustration at the lack of activity but Celtic are chasing £8m-rated Los Angeles FC attacker Mateusz Bogusz and £10m Augsburg hot prospect Arne Engels and are in the frame for a raft of others.
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