Vinicius Souza

The transfer chase for Celtic target Vinicius Souza is hotting up after Schalke joined the race to land the Brazilian.

Real Betis are also in the hunt with the Lommel player a man in demand across Europe. The Hoops have held talks with the midfielder’s representatives. A loan deal with an option to buy is on the table.

But the Daily Mail now reports that the German and Spanish outfits are in contention to land the 23-year-old as well. Schalke are looking to strengthen in the middle of the pitch despite already adding Tom Krauss to their squad ahead of their return to the Bundesliga. Die Konigsblauen looked set to land Christopher Jullien from Celtic last week, but the move collapsed due to issues with the Frenchman’s medical.

Mechelen's Vinicius Souza is being tracked by Celtic (Image: BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
And now they could be set to rival Ange Postecoglou’ s team in pursuit of Souza. Fenerbahce have also been credited with an interest but also want William Carvalho from Betis, who have identified SOuza as a replacement.

However, the City Football Group own 60 per cent of Souza. Celtic hired Postecoglou from CFG club Yokohama F Marinos and appointed Mark Lawwelll - son of former chief executive Peter - from the organisation as head of recruitment.

That could give Celtic the edge. It was the City Football Group that placed Souza in Belgium and he is currently training in Manchester. Lawwell’s relationship may prove to be a key factor in Souza deciding his next move.

The champions have already been busy in the transfer window. Cameron carter-Vickers and Jota have joined on permanent deals while Benjamin Siegrist, Alexandro Bernabei and Daize Maeda have all joined up or made loan deals permanent.

 

Schalke can't even afford CJ on a free for * sake

Real Betis would be a worry if they are in for him but considering this article linked Schalke I'm calling bullshit..

I'm sure there are a few clubs interested mind.. If we don't get him I'm sure Big Ange has a back up.. not too bothered anymore...

Edit: "the daily mail now reports" nuff said...

 

Betis would be a big pull for him as well, just hope we’ve got some sort of agreement and don’t lose out.

 

I hope we’ve got a good second choice lined up

 

To be fair, I’m led to believe that the alternative’s name has already appeared on KDS back when we made initial enquiries.

 

If we all but had him & now Betis are calling, thats what probably swung it.

 

Get the Welcome to Celtic Alfa Semedo thread opened guys.

 

In other words, you’ve posted the alternative on KDS…

 

Belmonte? Owusu?

 

Owusu would be a great addition. If we can't get Souza, him or Jean Onana would be my next 2 targets.

 

Apparently Souza is keen to join us. His agent on the other hand is telling him to hold off incase a better offer comes in. Should be telling his agent to gtf and he either joins us or we move on.

 

Shalke and Betis talk could just be his agent trying to get a better deal out of us.

Stand firm Mick Nic.

 

Starting to get those old horrible feelings I used to get back in the dark old days when PL was here re this particular transfer. Might be time to move on from this one

 

Would absolutely love to sign to him.

But happy to accept the ship has sailed on this one and trust Celtic and Ange already have an second option being looked into

 

Apparently we’re the only CL club in for him, thus far

 

If he doesnt sign i dont blame celtic on this one , im not worried as i believe the 2nd option will be not far off souza

 

Looking like we will end up with a FANNI...

 

I think it will be fanni as well hope we get souza but it's dragged on and on