Brendan Rodgers is keen to make Alvyn Sanches Celtic's own Cole Palmer, and the left-footed midfielder would be keen on a move to Scotland this summer. The Hoops are yet to table a bid for Sanches but extensive talks have been held in recent weeks, and the saga could kick up a notch as the deadline draws nearer.
Celtic have been following Sanches' progress for the last 18 months and club scouts are convinced he has the potential to be a top player. The 21-year-old is closing in on a century of senior appearances and is capped for Switzerland's Under-21s.
The Glasgow giants were hot on Sanches' heels earlier this summer and a breakthrough looked to be in the works until they switched focus to making Paulo Bernardo's loan move permanent.
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Celtic are expected to pursue at least one new midfielder before this month's deadline - particularly if Matt O'Riley signs for Brighton - and Sanches is high on their list of candidates.
Rodgers feels that the youngster could play in a creative midfield role akin to the one Palmer has assumed at Chelsea. Sanches is particularly effective going forward and he scored twice in FC Lausanne-Sport's win over Champel on Sunday.
Express Sport understands that the Swiss side have dropped their asking price from just over £4million down to £3m, though they are under no pressure to sell during the current window, and would be happy to keep hold of the midfielder for another season.
Personal terms would not be an issue if Celtic make a formal approach as the reigning league champions have convinced Sanches that the Scottish Premiership would be an ideal next step in his promising career.
Celtic's interest in the player is long-standing and they have done more legwork than most, but a collection of other clubs are also weighing up a swoop for Sanches before the window slams shut.
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Championship sides Leeds United and Burnley are joined by Anderlecht, Gent, Udinese and Feyenoord in holding a concrete interest in Sanches, whose contract at Lausanne has just under two years left to run.
Celtic boss Rodgers has made a perfect start to the 2024/25 season, beating Kilmarnock and Hibernian without conceding a goal and knocking Hibs out of the Scottish League Cup on Sunday.
