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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Macdonald

Lecce have Lagerbielke wage 'concerns' as loan deal hits potential stumbling block

Italian side Lecce are reportedly "concerned" about whether they will be able to meet Celtic's wage demands to take Gustaf Lagerbielke on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 23-year-old has struggled to make an impact at the Hoops, last starting a game in September and making just two appearances since.

And it was previously reported that a move to Italy could allow him to play more first-team football but now outlet Corriere dello Sport claim Lecce could struggle to afford the Sweden international's wages on a temporary basis.

It comes after assistant boss John Kennedy has made clear in the past that the Scottish champions are looking to trim their squad.

"It's a position where we have a lot of players," he said. "In January there's going to have to be a couple that will go and get game-time elsewhere and trim the squad down a little bit.

"If anything, we’re carrying a lot of numbers, so there will be a lot on the periphery who we just need to go and get game-time or maybe move on. Everyone will have their own agenda on that.

"When it comes to it, there's going to be four or five centre-backs in every squad, and at that point, it's a case of competing with each other and pushing each other and being ready to step in whenever you’re called upon."

Meanwhile, Celtic starlet Rocco Vata is "in talks" with Italian side Bologna over a move to Serie A.

This is according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano who claims that that the forward could move on in the January transfer window.

Vata's deal is up at Parkhead at the end of the season and the 18-year-old has been subject of interest from across Europe.

If he leaves at the end of the current campaign then the Hoops will pocket just £340,000 in compensation.

Vata has not made an appearance for the Celtic first team so far this season, instead featuring for the B team after previously making his debut under Ange Postecoglou.

And Romano claims Bologna, who have previously signed talent from Scotland such as Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson, are heavily interested in the youngster.

Writing on X, he said: "Bologna are interested in Celtic 18 year old talent Rocco Vata as potential opportunity for the January transfer window.

"Talks expected to take place soon and more will follow as interest in Irish talent is now growing."

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