“Bologna Granted Permission by Celtic to Pursue 18-Year-Old Forward Rocco Vata for Serie A Move”

“Bologna Granted Permission by Celtic to Pursue 18-Year-Old Forward Rocco Vata for Serie A Move”

Bologna has received approval from Celtic to initiate discussions with forward Rocco Vata and negotiate terms for a potential transfer to Italy, according to sources from Football Insider.

The Serie A club is actively working on finalizing an agreement to secure the 18-year-old’s services, as his contract with Celtic is set to expire in the summer. Vata, an Irish youth international, is now open to pre-contract talks with clubs beyond Scotland, with Bologna currently in the lead to secure his signing.

Despite Celtic’s previous attempts to extend Vata’s contract, the striker has declined multiple offers, leading the club to relinquish hope of retaining him. While Bologna appears to be the frontrunner, competition for Vata’s signature includes Atalanta, Frosinone, and Sampdoria.

Celtic, having rejected several bids for Vata last summer, now face the prospect of losing him for a compensation fee of £343,000. Despite not making a senior appearance for Brendan Rodgers’ side this season, Vata has showcased his scoring prowess with 13 goals in 20 appearances for Celtic’s B team in all competitions.

Having risen through Parkhead’s youth system since joining in 2012, Vata made his senior debut for Celtic in December 2022 against Hibernian. The young talent, who has played both as a center-forward and attacking midfielder this season, is the son of former Celtic and Albania defender Rudi Vata.

While Celtic currently leads the league during the winter break, having secured a 3-0 victory against St Mirren, their attention now turns to the Scottish Cup, where they will face Buckie Thistle in the fourth round on January 21.

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