Sources: Celtic star told he can leave now close to agreeing new contract, surprise Rocco Vata news emerges
Exit-linked ace Rocco Vata could now spring a surprise and sign a new deal with Celtic after holding talks with other clubs, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking to the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that contract talks are ongoing with the 18-year-old and the Hoops are hopeful he will pen new terms after making progress in the last 48 hours.
As revealed by Football Insider last week (17 January), Sampdoria, Bologna and Como had been in a race to sign Vata, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.
However, Celtic are now close to agreeing a new deal with Vata despite granting him permission to leave the club this month.
The club knocked back multiple offers for the attacker in the summer after he bagged 11 goals in 22 appearances for the B team.
He scored the fifth goal in the Hoops’ recent 5-0 thrashing of fifth-tier side Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup on Sunday (21 January) – his fifth senior appearance for the club since his debut in December 2022.
Vata hadn’t made a senior appearance or made the matchday squad this season before the cup clash, but has continued to be prolific for the B team.
Across 22 outings for the reserve side, he has scored 13 goals in the centre-forward and attacking midfield positions.
He is highly regarded at Celtic and has received numerous call-ups to the Republic of Ireland youth sides, making his last appearance in a European Championship qualifier against Belgium for the under-19s in November.
Celtic sit top of the league in Scotland and recently progressed to the fifth round of the Scottish Cup after their win against Buckie Thistle.
They are next back in league action against Ross County at Parkhead on Saturday afternoon (27 January).
In other news, Sources: Celtic ready to accept offer for 31-year-old.
For more Celtic and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.