Celtic may need to move quickly if they wish to sign Issa Doumbia from Venezia, with Portuguese competition closing in on him.
Calciomercato.it report that Doumbia appears destined to leave the Italian club this summer. His future is currently looking likely to be in Portugal.
Portuguese efforts
They explain that after a remarkable season playing a key role in Venezia’s promotion from Serie B, many major European clubs now have their eyes on the 23-year-old.
In particular, two of the top three clubs in Portugal, Sporting Club de Portugal and Benfica, want him. According to CM.it, Sporting have accelerated their efforts in recent days to get a deal over the line.
That deal isn’t done yet, though, as Rui Costa at Benfica and his associated have also made ‘significant inroads’. A real Lisbon derby is underway for the midfielder’s signature. New and important developments are expected at some point throughout this week.
That should potentially be a warning sign for Celtic. The Scottish giants have been credited with an interest in months.
Celtic need to move
Sport Witness even covered a report explaining how their interest is justified. Doumbia is undoubtedly a rising star and the growing interest in him is proof of that fact.
The fact that the Portuguese duo, who are both Champions League clubs as well, is further proof of that fact. Both pushing for a deal now also hints that they want to get in now before the competition becomes too fierce.
Celtic may be busy focusing on their title challenge, which looks destined to go down to the wire, but this may also need their attention. A failure to move now, and quickly, could see them miss out on a potential signing of the summer.
Sporting Club de Portugal and Benfica certainly seem to be working to ensure that they win the race behind the scenes.
