Updated at 19.41
CHELSEA YOUNGSTER CHARLY Musonda is reportedly close to joining Celtic after Brendan Rodgers confirmed he is set to sign a ‘big talent’.
Musonda has been unable to make the breakthrough at Stamford Bridge after joining from Anderlecht in 2012 and is expected to be sold this summer.
Speculation has claimed that the 20-year-old is on his way to Celtic in a £5 million (€6m) deal, with Rodgers looking to add creativity to his squad for next season.
“It’s been a period of six months,” said Rodgers when talking about his prospective signing. “Celtic have been great in trying to make it happen and, if we can close the deal out, it will be a high level of quality.
He is young but is a big talent who has got experience. It’s good money that will be spent on him.
“The player I’m talking about is of a substantial pedigree and quality.
We have players who can play there but it’s about getting pace and power and also another one that can make the last pass. I felt that was something I wanted to add. We are hopeful we can get that.
“Someone of that ability in there, it’s how the make-up of my teams have always been.
Look at Liverpool with Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez and [Philippe] Coutinho. Bright, clever players who can disorganise defenders. They can attack but they also need to have the profile to press.”
When asked if Musonda is the player in question, Rodgers replied: “He’s a very good player.”
If Musonda does leave Chelsea, he will become the latest in a growing list of players to have been sold on by the Premier League club without having made an impact on the first team.
He spent a year on loan at Real Betis before returning to Chelsea in January and was linked with a move to Roma, but now appears primed to move to Celtic.
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