Yesterday, reports emerged suggesting Cercle Brugge left-back Flávio Nazinho was on his way to Celtic.

The 21-year-old Portuguese defender has been linked with Celtic before, but the leap from showing interest to being “on his way” skips several important steps in any transfer process.

Celtic’s transfer business under Brendan Rodgers has rarely been completed at lightning pace, with deals often taking longer than supporters would like.

This potential move for Nazinho could be no different. While the report has sparked excitement, it remains to be seen whether the deal is as far along as some are making out.

For the move to progress to completion, a number of things must happen. Firstly, Cercle Brugge would need to formally sanction Celtic’s approach and allow direct talks with the player.

That would then need to be followed by an agreement on a transfer fee between the two clubs, no small task given Brugge’s financial situation and potential competition from other clubs on the continent. Only after that could personal terms be discussed and a medical arranged.

From Celtic’s perspective, the need for a left-back is clear. With Greg Taylor making the switch to PAOK and Kieran Tierney back in the squad, Rodgers requires reliable cover and competition in that position.

A Portugal U21 international with Nazinho’s pedigree fits the bill. He’s young, quick, technically sound, and has impressed in the Belgian top flight.

However, supporters should temper expectations over how quickly this will move. While the club’s interest is legitimate and the fit is clear, these kinds of deals are rarely straightforward.

It would be no surprise to see this one take a bit more time than some initial reports suggest. For now, Nazinho remains a target, but he’s not in Glasgow just yet.