As the transfer deadline day drama unfolds, with the clock ticking relentlessly towards midnight, Celtic have firmly shut the door on any potential exit for academy star Rocco Vata.

A £550,000 bid from Italian side Torino has been swiftly rejected, underlining the club’s intent to hold onto their young talent. Vata, a lifelong Celtic fan, has been keen to break into the first team and has shown promising signs under former manager Ange Postecoglou.

However, the situation is complicated by the player’s contract, which has only one year remaining, and his desire for first-team football. Brendan Rodgers has made it clear to Vata that a regular spot in the starting lineup is unlikely this season. This puts both the player and the club in a precarious position as they weigh the benefits of development against the risk of losing him for free next summer.

Despite the uncertainty, Celtic’s rejection of Torino’s bid sends a strong message about their valuation of Vata and their broader ambitions.

With several other transfer stories swirling around Parkhead, including the near-completion of a loan deal for Benfica’s Paulo Bernardo and the club’s refusal to sell Matt O’Riley, the Vata saga adds another layer of intrigue to what is shaping up to be a frenetic end to the transfer window.

As midnight approaches, Celtic fans will be watching closely, not just for new arrivals but also to see how the club navigates the delicate balance of retaining young talent like Vata while also building a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.