Celtic have shown interest in Mexican striker Ali Avila, Celtsarehere understands.
The Hoops could be in the market for a new permanent No. 9 this summer, depending on whether they choose to trigger the future fee options tied to Tomas Cvancara or Junior Adamu following their January loan arrivals.
Avila, 22, is rated highly in Mexico and has been making an impact for Queretaro since last summer’s Liga MX Apertura campaign.
Celtic have been tracking the forward for some time, with specialist scout Mark Cooper among those aware of his progress.
The Scottish champions are also expected to watch Avila again before the summer transfer window.
He has six goals in 10 games this season and is attracting interest elsewhere in Europe, with Standard Liege and Dynamo Kyiv also understood to be keen.
Avila’s contract is due to expire this summer, which could put Celtic in position to move for him on a free if they are willing to wait. Alternatively, a small fee could be enough to bring him in earlier.
Celtic interim assistant manager Shaun Maloney is also playing his part behind the scenes restructuring Celtic’s scouting system
One potential stumbling block is Queretaro’s desire to tie him down to a new deal, which could complicate any move.
Wages in Mexico’s top flight are thought to be competitive, and Avila may yet be tempted by a lucrative offer rather than making the jump to Europe at this stage of his career.
Celtic may not have a permenent manager, but moves are being made behind the scenes to equip any new man with options. Avila is a player who could be part of a big summer rebuild. Timing is everything in football and while there is interests, the two parties could be ships passing in the night if Celtic are not willing to commit before May.
