Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have reportedly joined the race to sign Brazilian defensive midfielder Vinicius Souza this summer.
The 22-year-old spent the 2021-22 season on loan with Mechelen from fellow Belgian club Lommel, where he impressed and made 35 appearances across all competitions.
However, Souza is 60% owned by the City Football Group, an organisation which own a number of clubs across the world including the likes of Lommel, Ange Postecoglou's former side Yokohama Marinos and Premier League champions Manchester City.
According to the Daily Mail, Souza is set to go out on loan again in the 2022-23 campaign and Celtic are lining up talks with the midfielder's representatives over a temporary switch to Scotland.
The report adds that the Hoops could face competition from Club Brugge, Fenerbahce and Bologna for the former Flamengo man.
Postecoglou is on the lookout for midfield reinforcements this summer, with Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton leaving the club when their contracts expire.
Celtic are also believed to be monitoring Man City defenders Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ko Itakura, who are both expected to leave the Etihad Stadium on either temporary or permanent deals this summer.
Oliver Thomas
