Celtic are in reportedly the race for young AS Monaco left-back Kassoum Ouattara, with interest in the defender coming from across Europe.
The 20-year-old has caught the eye after breaking through in Ligue 1 and is now weighing up his next career step.
Ouattara has already played three times for France at under-21 level and made 12 appearances in Ligue 1 last season.
He also featured twice in the Champions League, gaining valuable experience at the highest level. Strong going forward and solid defensively, he is seen as one of Monaco’s most promising young players.
French outlet footmercato.net reports that Celtic and Rangers have both spoken to the player’s representatives about a possible move. Monaco are believed to prefer a permanent sale rather than a loan deal, with Ouattara expected to choose the club that can give him the most regular first-team football.
There is no shortage of competition. Bundesliga side Augsburg, Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, Serie A outfit Torino, plus Ligue 1 clubs Toulouse and Metz are all thought to be interested. Each side offers a different challenge, and the decision will be an important one for the Paris-born defender.
Even so, adding another young, athletic option would give Brendan Rodgers more depth and competition in a key area of the pitch.
With reports claiming Rangers have made contact and several clubs across Europe circling, the race for Ouattara’s signature looks set to be one to watch in the coming weeks, and Celtic are reportedly right in the middle of it.
