Celtic have been linked with an interest in Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid.
The teenager has been capped by Spain at u-19 level but after just six appearances this season in La Liga it is difficult to see where he would fit in at Celtic with Alistair Johnston recently signed to compete with Tony Ralston as the club prepares for the transfer of Josip Juranovic.
Since Ange Postecoglou arrived at the club there has been a vast reduction in ‘project signings’ with the recent experiences of Luca Connell, Jonathan Afolabi, Liam Shaw, Lee O’Connor and Osaze Urhoghide illustrating that there is no pathway to first team football.
The Sun reports:
CELTIC have been name-checked as one of the many teams after Real Valladolid starlet Ivan Fresneda.
The 18-year-old right-back has represented Spain at U19 level and is regarded as one of most promising youngsters in his position.
Making six appearances in La Liga so far this season, he has caught the eyes of several sides across Europe.
Everton are considered the favourites to land the young defender, with AS claiming Frank Lampard’s Toffees have already made an approach to Real Valladolid over a potential deal.
However, Radio Marca Valladolid claim Ange Postecoglou’s side have joined the race for Fresneda, alongside a host a top European clubs.
Fellow Spanish outfit Villareal are said to be interested, with Ac Milan, Juventus and Celtic’s friendly opponents last weekend, Stade Rennais.
As a Spanish u-19 internationalist there is likely to be strong interest from La Liga clubs in signing Fresneda.
Transfermarkt reports that the teenager is under contract until May 2025 which leaves Valladolid firmly in control of the defender’s future.