Brendan Rodgers has played a pivotal role in bringing Barcelona left-back Álex Valle to Celtic on a season-long loan, Spanish journalist Gerard Romero has reported.

The 20-year-old, who spent the previous season gaining experience at Levante in Spain’s second division, is scheduled to undergo a medical in Glasgow on Monday. Rodgers’ influence was significant in securing Valle’s services, as Celtic has agreed to cover his entire weekly wage of approximately £24,000.

This move comes without an option to buy, indicating Barcelona’s intention to keep Valle in their long-term plans, but there have been suggestions of a relatively low release clause.

Valle’s arrival at Celtic is expected to intensify competition for the left-back position, challenging Greg Taylor for the starting spot, who has the position nailed down currently, but if you’re covering 100% of a loanee’s wages, you’d expect them to challenge for the starting spot.