Who is Vinicius Souza? Celtic target rated 'the new Nemanja Matic' by man who moulded Chelsea hero

Ange Postecoglou's Celtic rebuild has entered its second phase as the summer transfer window opens.

The Parkhead boss exceeded expectation in delivering both the Premiership title and Premier Sports Cup last season but is adamant he's just getting started.

Up next is a crack at the Champions League as Celtic go straight into the group stage.

And with both Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton departing at the end of last term, midfield recruits are a priority.

On Friday, a report in the Daily Mail named Brazilian midfielder Vinicius Souza as a potential loan option.

Here, Record Sport Online takes a closer look at the 22-year-old.

Born in Padre Miguel, Rio de Janeiro, Souza joined Flamengo's U-15 side in 2014, rising through the ranks to become a first team player in 2019.

He made his senior debut against Vasco da Gama in March that year and was promoted to the first team squad full-time at the beginning of the following season.

Ahead of the 2020/21 season, he signed for Lommel, the City Group's Belgian club, who operate in the second tier.

He was loaned upwards to top-flight side Mechelen the following year, an unusual move but one which suggests the City Group have a clear plan in place for his development.

He is said to be 60 per cent owned by the parent company behind the likes of Manchester City and Yokohama F. Marinos, from whom Celtic plucked Postecoglou last summer.

Standing at 6ft 2, Vinicius is an intimidating presence and with 11 yellow cards and a red to his name last season, it's clear he's not afraid to put his considerable frame to use.

But the South American is not some flat-track bully, although he is sharp and strong into the tackle.

He prefers to operate from deep and is adept picking forward passes to move