CFR Cluj manager Dan Petrescu says he’ll speak with Louis Munteanu before deciding if the forward will play in their Europa League match in Switzerland tomorrow.

The 23-year-old is being watched closely by Celtic, with reports claiming the Romanian side have already knocked back an offer from Glasgow. Clubs in France are also believed to be in the mix.

Cluj are getting ready to face Lugano, but Munteanu hasn’t started any of their games so far this season. Despite that, talk around a possible transfer has only grown stronger.

Petrescu, who is now in his fourth spell at Cluj and previously played for Chelsea, says he’ll see how Munteanu is feeling before picking the team. He wants to make sure the player is in the right shape physically and mentally before making a decision.

He suggested Munteanu could start or come off the bench, depending on how things go. But he admitted the ongoing transfer talk could affect his final call, saying he’s open to all options depending on what happens next.

He said: (Glasgow Times), “I want to have a clarifying discussion with Louis.

“It’s possible he’ll play from the start or he might start as a sub.

“If he feels good, maybe he can start. You know how it is in football.

“But I want to say if he leaves tomorrow or this week, I wouldn’t be upset.

“I understand the situation, the club understands, the player understands and I would be happy for him.

“But at the same time, if he stays, I would be even happier.”

Petrescu’s comments highlight the tricky job managers have when a player is wanted by other clubs. He made it clear that Munteanu’s chances of playing tomorrow will depend on how ready he is and what happens with any transfer.

If the player is focused, Petrescu is happy to use him. But if a move is close, he seems willing to let Munteanu take that next step.

The manager also hinted that Cluj are open to letting Munteanu leave if the right offer comes in, though they still want to do well in Europe. If the forward stays and is feeling sharp, there’s a good chance he’ll be in the squad to face Lugano.

From a Celtic point of view, it’s a sign the club are still in the mix. The fact Cluj are considering using Munteanu in a big European match shows they still rate him highly, which might help Celtic in their ongoing talks.

Whatever happens in the next few days, Cluj’s position seems clear. If Munteanu moves on, they’ll wish him well. If he stays, they’ll look to get the best out of him. Petrescu’s words show they’re thinking about both the club’s success and the player’s future.