Celtic see Nilson Angulo transfer bid 'rejected' as Anderlecht hold firm on Ecuador star - Football Scotland
Anderlecht have reportedly rejected a bid from Celtic for winger Nilson Angulo.
According to StudioFutbol in Ecuador, the Hoops have seen an initial offer knocked back but may well return with a bid on improved terms.
The 21 year old was a regular feature for the Belgian side in the Jupiler Pro League last season, making 29 appearances for the first team and featuring six times in the Europa League.
Angulo joined Anderlecht from LDU Quito in July 2022 for €1.9m.
His rise through the ranks at Anderlecht has been swift, with Angulo already earning five full caps for his country, reports the Daily Record.
With two years remaining on his contract, Anderlecht are in a strong position to negotiate and will likely demand a significant increase on their initial investment to let him go.
Celtic have shown they are willing to pay the market rate for talent if they believe they can further develop players and reap the benefits later.
Brendan Rodgers persuaded the Celtic board to break the club's transfer record by paying £11million for Arne Engels last summer, although it's unlikely that a similar amount will be required to secure Angulo.
Rodgers has completed his first signing of the window with Kieran Tierney putting pen to paper on a five year contract on his sensational Parkhead return from Arsenal.
Speaking after the transfer was officially announced, the Scotland defender said: "“Everybody’s known for a few months and just to be here with the Celtic strip on again just feels amazing.
“I spoke with the manager, and obviously I had worked with him before and I’ve always kept in touch with him.
"He’s one of the best so I’m so lucky and grateful that he’s given me the chance to come back again.
“When you move away from home, you grow up, you learn different things. I was in Spain for a year, learning a different language and playing in a different league, so I’m definitely a different person.
“Player-wise, it’s the same as I always say – I’ll try and work my hardest, I’ll do my best for the club and that’s all I can do.
“My ambition is just for Celtic to be as successful as possible, retain our place at the top and continue to win trophies and do well for Celtic.”
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