Celtic, the Champions of Scotland, are expecting a sterner contest next season from Rangers. Their ‘Old Firm’ rivals are a rejuvenated force under Steven Gerrard who is closing in on the Bears’ seventh summer signing in the form of Joe Aribo (the Daily Mail).
The Hoops, on the other hand, have secured the transfer of David Turnbull successfully from Motherwell and are now linked to a move for Ecuador wonderkid Jose Cifuentes according to the Scottish Sun. Manchester City are also eyeing a swoop for the midfield sensation as his recent display in the U20 World Cup has drawn the attention from Germany and Italy too.
The Citizens, meanwhile, would send the youngster at sister club Girona on a season-long loan to get a work permit. But the laws are less strict north of the border which hands Celtic a significant boost in roping him in ahead of the other potential suitors.
Cifuentes, 20, is currently enjoying the game at LigaPro Serie A with CD América de Quito back in his homeland. His strong physique, ability to orchestrate the game from a deep-lying role as well as passing attributes have convinced the British giants to get a deal done for him ahead of the upcoming campaign.
A bargain fee of £2.5m should not be a problem for Celtic as the player is now gearing up towards experiencing the excellence of European football. He would find it hard at Etihad to stake a claim for first-team minutes and therefore, a move to Glasgow should be prioritised in order to continue his development under Neil Lennon.
The Northern Irishman is highly regarded for promoting the youth players. A host of promising prospects flourished under Lennon throughout his managerial regime, and the growing uncertainty over the future of Callum McGregor and Olivier Ntcham might force the Hoops to make alterations in the middle of the park.
Turnbull enjoyed a breakthrough season while representing the Dossers and is tipped to add more goals from midfield to this Celtic side. However, skipper Scott Brown is in the twilight of his glittering career and needs to be replaced in the long run. Cifuentes holds all the attributes to succeed the Scotsman in the centre of the pitch and a partnership with Turnbull might earn the club that much-needed stability for years to come.
It is to be seen now whether the Ecuadorian plies his trade to Parkhead or join the Manchester giants should they match his asking price in due time.
