Chelsea midfielder Charly Musonda closing in on shock move to Scottish champions Celtic
Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers ready to splash the cash to bring Belgian youth star to Parkhead
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BRENDAN RODGERS is reportedly on the verge of signing Chelsea youngster Charly Musonda for Celtic.
The Hoops boss revealed the Scottish champions are ready to splash out on a player of “substantial pedigree and quality” within the next few days.
And the claims that man is the Belgian Musonda.
The Under-21 international spent almost a year with Spanish side Real Betis before returning to Stamford Bridge in January.
Celtic attempted to get the deal done for the 20-year-old last month, with Rodgers admitting he has been a long-term admirer if the playmaker.
Rodgers said: “It's been a period of six months. Celtic have been great in trying to make it happen and if we can close the deal out, it will be a high level of quality.
“It's good money that will be spent on the player who is of a substantial pedigree and quality.
“He is young but he is a big talent and he has experience.”
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And when quizzed directly on Musonda, Rodgers said: “He's a very good player.”
Rodgers has already signed Jonny Hayes from Aberdeen and 19-year-old Kundai Benyu from Ipswich this summer.
Rodgers is ready to break Celtic’s £6million transfer record to add to his treble-winning side.
Rodgers added: “(We can) on the right player, it depends on the availability.
“I'm not in the market to just spend because someone is a name. They have to fit in with what we are doing.
“The market down south is greater than it has ever been because there are so many players — not just British but international players, and they all can't play every week.
“But that doesn't stop us looking in other parts of the world. We have been extensive in our search but we are specific in terms of what we want.
“My main aim is quality, we don't need numbers. Last year, I walked into a squad that was maybe 30-odd players.
“There will still be movement out over the course of the summer. But I'm very pleased with where the team is at right now.”
