Daniel Gazdag named on 3-man Celtic transfer 'watchlist' as star Rodgers raves about star to sign long-term deal

Celtic are said to be keeping tabs on Philadelphia Union midfielder Daniel Gazdag - with the Hungary star reportedly on a three-man watchlist.

After a quiet start to the summer window, Brendan Rodgers' side are ramping up their transfer drive ahead of the new season. Goalkeepers Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo have already been snapped up and permanent deals for loan stars Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah are edging ever closer. Southampton's Shea Charles and Venezia's Tanner Tessmann are believed to be on the Hoops radar, and Sky Sports now report that Gazdag, 28, is also of interest to the champions.

The all-action midfielder started his professional career with Budapest club Honved, helping them lift the league title in 2017 and the domestic cup three years later. Gazdag then swapped Hungary for the US with Philadelphia Union in 2021 and has enjoyed a prolific spell Stateside, scoring an impressive 57 goals in 127 matches, earning a spot in the MLS Best XI in 2022.

He has won 26 caps at senior level for Hungary and made one appearance at Euro 2024 as a late substitute in the group stage loss to Germany. If Gazdag were to make the move to Parkhead then he would become the first Hungarian player to pull on the green-and-white colours in the club's history.

Elsewhere, Celtic have agreed a new long-term deal with promising teenager Francis Turley. The Northern Ireland youth international is set to pen a new four year contract with the Hoops.

The 18-year-old is part of Stephen McManus’ B squad but has impressed boss Rodgers and the midfielder is a player for whom Celtic have high hopes. The champions signed Turley from Glentoran’s youth set-up for two years.