Demand for teenage Celt increases

AC Milan is said to have increased their interest in signing Rocco Vata.

The teenager is out of contract and presents a contract puzzle for Celtic, with Italian clubs reportedly interested in signing him for a UEFA-approved compensation fee of around £300,000.

Vata spent two and a half seasons in the Lowland League for Celtic’s B team, with four brief appearances off the bench under Ange Postecoglou.

This season, he has played more as a striker than a winger; after being overlooked in the first half of the season, he was called up to the first team against Buckie Thistle, where he came off the bench and scored, and has remained in the top squad ever since.

Brendan Rodgers has spoken positively about Vata and Daniel Kelly, but since that goal against Buckie, they have only appeared off the bench once, in the 87th minute at Aberdeen, with chances looking slim as the Celtic squad returns to full strength for the season’s final stretch.

Picking up on Italian interest, Sempre Milan reports:

“According to the information that we have learned through sources close to the situation, Milan have in fact stepped up their interest in signing Vata having watched him over the past couple of years.”

“Not only that, but the 18-year-old is approaching the end of his contract which means that he would be available on a ‘free transfer’.”

“However, because of the rules regarding compensation due to clubs who developed players through their academies that are below a certain age, it would actually cost Milan €400k to bring him in.”

“Nonetheless, the interest is very much concrete and discussions have been held over a pre-contract in view of the summer. The player, we are told, is keen on making the move.”

“It is possible that Vata is being eyed for the U23 team project, but given his desire for first team football at Celtic, he could well instantly become an option for Stefano Pioli or whomever the coach is for 2024-25.”

Vata scored a hat-trick for Ireland’s under-21 team last week, and while the opposition was only San Marino, his performance will have sent a message to Italian clubs regarding his availability.

Celtic are reportedly still in talks about a new contract, but with only two months left in the season, it appears that Vata will be the next teenager to leave Celtic for a club in one of the top five leagues.

In other news, Celtic lawyer reacts on social media following the SFA verdict.