Who is Eduard Spertsyan? The Celtic transfer 'target' watched by European heavyweights

Before thoughts turn fully to summer transfers, Celtic have a title and Scottish Cup to try and retain.

However, securing that automatic Champions League group stage spot will be crucial when it comes to recruitment. And the links have already started with Eduard Sperstyan having been watched by the Hoops, according to reports in Russia. The Armenian is keen to make the move to Europe from Krasnodar after spending his entire career to date with the Russian outfit.

He said recently: "Yes I want to play in Europe soon, but I know I’ve got to fight and work for it. I don’t want to leave here by running away or with a helicopter! I like being at Krasnodar, but I want to try to go to Europe while I have the chance, I don’t know what can happen there. I’m confident and I think I can achieve even bigger goals.”

Whether he makes the step with Celtic remains to be seen. But Record Sport takes a closer look at the main man as far as the Armenian national team in concerned.

23-year-old Spertsyan is Russian-born, but plays for Armenia after being invited to represent them in 2020 after starring for Krasonodar's second side. He progressed through the ranks at Krasnodar and made his top team debut against FC Khimki in September 2020. A month later came his Champions League bow in a 4-0 defeat to Chelsea.

The attacking midfielder primarily operates in the No10 position, but can be used out wide. However, his effectiveness playing in a central role is evident by his numbers. in 99 Krasnodar first team games, Spertsyan has 30 goals and 23 assists, making one of their man goal threats. 19 yellows and one red suggest a bit of of an edge to his game as well.

After bursting on to the scene as a teenager, Sperstyan was initially linked to