Vinicius Souza in Celtic transfer 'battle' as Ange Postecoglou targets in-demand City Group star

Celtic are reportedly pursuing a loan deal for Brazlian midfielder Vinicius Souza.

The in-demand 22-year-old is 60 per cent owned by the City Football Group, the organisation behind Manchester City and with whom the Parkhead club have had close ties.

Boss Ange Postecoglou and head of recruitment Mark Lawwell both arrived at Celtic from the CFG and now the club hope to leverage those links by bringing in Souza for next season.

Contracted to Belgian club Lommel, owned by the City Group, he spent last term impressing on-loan at KV Mechelen.

The Daily Mail report Celtic are among a number of clubs, including Fenerbahce, Club Brugge and Bologna, who have "declared an interest" in the player.

Postecoglou is prioritising midfield recruits following the departures of Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic.

The report states Metz star Kevin N'Doram is also under consideration.

Record Sport understands Maccabi Haifa's Mohammad Abu Fani and Aberdeen rising star Connor Barron have been watched.

And with Vasilis Barkas moving on-loan to Utrecht, former Dundee United keeper Benjamin Siegirist, now a free agent, has held talks with the Premiership champions.