Vinicius Souza sends Celtic transfer update as Parkhead club make deal 'matter of urgency'

Vinicius Souza has heightened speculation over when his next move will come after suggesting he's happy to bide his time and wait for the right transfer amid strong links to Celtic.

The Hoops are reported as interested in the Brazilian after his strong season on loan at KV Mechelen from fellow Belgian club Lommel. Fenerbahce and Ajax are also amongst those casting their eyes over Souza just like Bundesliga club Schalke and La Liga outfit Real Betis. A defensive midfielder, his stats have only heightened interest in his services.

They have him ranking among the best defensive midfielders in Europe with an average of 14 interceptions per game the best among all players across the continent during last season. In a message posted to his Instagram account though, he doesn't appear flustered by constant speculation surrounding him, commenting 'everything has its time' amid the chatter on his future.

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City Group own 60% of the player and are willing to help 'facilitate a deal' with Celtic due to close connections with boss Ange Postecoglou and former chief executive Peter Lawwell.

The Hoops chiefs will now be 'pressing hard for Souza to put his cards on the table once and for all' over what happens next. Champions League group stage football is coming to Parkhead and they want things sorted quick.

A source told the Daily Record: “If Souza - or his agents - aren’t prepared to commit then the club will simply have to look elsewhere.

"It’s an area of the team that the manager wants to address as a matter of urgency. Souza absolutely fits the bill in terms of what’s required but he’s not the only option.”