Celtic fans spent the first few weeks of the transfer window watching players leave Parkhead without any real sign of players coming in, however, this week has seen a raft of activity and Neil Lennon has reportedly turned his attention to Spain and “made an enquiry” Atletico Madrid’s wonderkid Ricardo Riquelme.
The Scottish Sun has reported that the Hoops have followed up their initial interest in the 20-year old attacker who ripped apart Rangers much heralded academy team in the UEFA Youth League last season.
Riquelme has just a year to run on his Atletico contract and after being promoted to first-team training last season, Diego Simeone is keen to see the youth international extend his stay so that he can be sent out on loan for much needed game time at a senior level.
With his goalkeeping “crisis” apparently solved with the signing of Vasilios Barkas, Lennon has turned his attention to his forward line with bids being made for both Ivan Toney and Albian Ajeti, rumours of a move for Scotland international, Steven Fletcher have also surfaced in recent days and he would represent an experienced back-up for the rigours of another potential 60-game season.
It would be a huge coup to get a player with a £26million release clause in his current deal and one that is so highly rated by his parent club, he will no doubt be in huge demand should he decide not to extend his stay in Madrid but if this is the calibre of player that Celtic are targeting, there is only going to be one outcome at the end of one of the most anticipated seasons in recent history.