CELTIC has joined the hunt for in-demand Turkish midfielder Demir Ege Tiknaz.
After impressing on loan from Besiktas to Portuguese top-flight club Rio Ave, the 6ft 4in defensive midfielder has piqued the interest of Germany, Italy, and France.
The champions have “made contact” over the 20-year-old talent, according to sources in Lisbon sports media site A Bola.
Tiknaz plays in the role that the Hoops had planned for South Korean Kwon Hyeuk-kyu when he arrived two years ago, but he has failed to impress Brendan Rodgers, spending the last two seasons on loan at St Mirren and Hibs.
The gigantic anchorman, who made 29 appearances for the Turkish giants in his debut season in 2023 and still has two years on his deal, performed admirably as Rio finished eleventh in the 18-team league.
The kid scored four goals in 33 appearances for the club, helping them avoid relegation. The Portuguese club has a £4.25 million option to sign Tiknaz by Tuesday; otherwise, he would return to Besiktas, and interested clubs will have to negotiate with the Istanbul club. If Rio signs the player, they may be open to bids to make a quick profit on him.
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