Celtic hold transfer ace for Alex Valle as Fabregas hell-bent on Barcelona Bhoy – status updates on 4 key stars

Celtic will have the final say over the immediate future of Alex Valle after big spending Serie A outfit Como stepped up their bid to land the Barcelona kid.

The ambitious Italian side – who’re managed by former Arsenal ace Cesc Fabregas – have made a move to bag the left back on a loan deal with a view to a permanent move. Celtic are attempting to secure former favourite Kieran Tierney on a pre-contract for the summer – but could strike a deal to snap the 27-year-old up this month. The Hoops have also told Rennes to forget about snapping up Kyogo while Brendan Rodgers’ side are battling it out in the Champions League. But Valle’s fate could hinge on the Hoops pulling off the blockbuster Tierney move. But Record Sport understands Barcelona CAN’T sell the youngster from under the feet of Parkhead chiefs.

The 20-year-old is on a season-long loan deal but the Hoops would have to agree to any early change of plan – even with Como waiting in the wings with their chequebook. The minnows has splashed serious cash to fund their rise from the fourth tier in Italy to the top division. They are looking to kick on again and compete with Serie A’s big hitters and have had a long term interest in Valle.

Celts won’t be rushed in to any decision with several plates currently spinning. Current left back Greg Taylor is also out of contract at the end of the season with talks stalling amid interest in the Scotland squad man from England and the USA. Taylor has not dismissed the possibility of extending his current deal – but not on the current terms on the table.

Arsenal star Tierney – who recently returned from injury – is understood to be keen on a return to Celtic and could negotiate an early exit from his Emirates contract. Record