Celtic were linked with a move for right-back Timothy Castagne during the January transfer window and the defender has spoken publicly about the Hoops’ interest, as reported by The Scottish Sun.
The Daily Mail reported in December that were considering a £6m move for the Belgian international but ultimately a transfer failed to transpire with Serie A side Atalanta looking for more money.
Despite our interest, Castagne appears happy at his current club for now as they push for European places this season.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, the 23-year-old opened up about the potential switch to Glasgow this weekend, saying:
I didn’t play much before the window I played little and I admit I thought about moving. But how could I leave it like this? Celtic tried to buy me, but this is the best moment of my career and I want to stay here.
If you play trust increases. It’s natural. It’s also useless to talk about going to a Champions League or Europa League club because we at Atalanta would like to qualify. And as for the national team, my goal is being at Euro 2020.
The Belgian had played just eight times prior to the Hoops’ interest and since then has made seven more appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and assisting twice.
He may be content right now and Atalanta may value him as worth a considerable fee, but according to Transfermarkt his current contract expires in 2020, meaning it’s well worth our time returning for the player during the summer transfer window.
It’s likely he will be more affordable with less time on his current deal and the Hoops’ need for a right-back may be even greater if Mikael Lustig has left the club and Jeremy Toljan has head back to parent club Borussia Dortmund.
At 23 years of age and with significant potential he could be the next Belgian, after Dedryck Boyata, to make great progress and become a regular for his national team.