Daniel Podence to Celtic transfer gets extra oomph and Fabrizio Romano reveals 'crucial' next signing phase

Celtic's pursuit of Daniel Podence has been given added weight as a report in Portugal states Brendan Rodgers' side are not put off by a potential £12million asking price.

Record state the Premiership champions have identified the 27-year-old as the perfect signing option as Wolves seek an exit to give Gary O'Neill some extra ammo to land key targets before the window closes. Celtic are understood to be admirers of a player who has been left on the outside looking in at Molineux. Rodgers knows Podence well with the wide man starring on several occasions against Leicester during his time when the Irishman was at the helm of the Premier League side.

And the latest link with Podence comes amid transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claiming, via Give Me Sport, the Premiership champions are entering a vital period of the signing window in their bid to keep their best players. Record Sport revealed on Wednesday that approach involves potential new deals being offered for star pair Reo Hatate and Liel Abada. Celtic have lost key contributors Jota and Carl Starfelt thus summer and Romano insists Rodgers and the Celtic hierarchy are seeking reinforcements rather than exits as they transfer window reaches its thrilling climax.

Romano said: “The next few days and weeks are going to be important for Celtic to keep their players at the club. This is crucial, and they know that after the Starfelt deal with Celta Vigo, it’s important for them to keep the players at the club, and then we will see the next moves at the end of the window.”

The update comes after Gustaf Lagerbielke became the club's sixth summer signing as Celtic aim to be primed and ready for a second consecutive tilt at the Champions League group stage. Abada and Hatate have