Celtic are reportedly interested in signing Vitoria Guimaraes midfielder Alfa Semedo, according to a report from Portuguese outlet A Bola. 

The lowdown: Semedo's career so far

After graduating from Benfica's academy in 2016, the Guinea-Bissau international struggled to make the grade in the Portuguese top flight and left the Lisbon club with only 16 first-team outings to his name.

Since then, the 24-year-old has spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest, Reading and Espanyol before returning to Portugal.

Despite being under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), Semedo could now be on the move once again less than a year on from joining Guimaraes.

The latest: Celtic interested in Semedo

As per A Bola, Celtic are believed to be leading the chase to sign the eight-cap Guinea-Bissau international this summer.

It's claimed that there are 'are several clubs interested' in Semedo, but it's the Hoops who are 'at the forefront' as things stand.

The report added that the man who was hailed by reporter Andy Preston for his 'brilliant' role in a goal for Reading against Bournemouth in November 2020 'will be able to leave' the Portuguese outfit during the summer transfer window.

The verdict: Much-needed signing

After the departures of Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton, signing a midfielder - particularly a defensive-minded operator - must be a priority for Ange Postecoglou and the Parkhead hierarchy ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

During the 2021/22 season, Semedo made 31 appearances across all competitions for Guimaraes, earning an impressive 6.61 Sofascore rating whilst making one interception and 1.1 clearances and winning 4.6 duels per league game - more than Rogic's 3.4 and Bitton's 3.1 in the Premiership.

Valued at £1.35m by Transfermarkt, signing the former Benfica starlet should be a relatively inexpensive venture for Celtic and a wholly worthwhile one, especially given his previous experience in the English Championship, which could help to ease any transition back to the UK.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a key Celtic transfer update. Read more here.