Celtic are reportedly interested in signing Argentinos Juniors midfielder Fausto Vera, according to Latin Tribun [via Daily Record]. 

The lowdown: Celtic's summer shopping spree

The Hoops have been spending somewhat lavishly so far this summer, having sealed the permanent captures of Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers along with signing Alexandro Bernabei from Lanus in a deal worth £3.75m (Sky Sports).

The Premiership champions had been strongly linked with a move for the now Espanyol-bound Vinicius Souza as Ange Postecoglou seeks to find a defensive midfielder to replace Nir Bitton in the Lennoxtown ranks.

After seeing Bernabei become the first-ever Argentine to sign for the Bhoys, the Parkhead hierarchy appear to be lining up another precocious talent from the South American nation...

The latest: Celtic targeting Vera

According to Latin Tribun [via Daily Record], Celtic are targeting Vera as an alternative to Souza, although Genk have offered €6m (£5.1m) for the 22-year-old.

The report added that, as it stands, the Argentina under-23 international will be out of contract in December, which could help prospective suitors to land him for a relatively low fee.

Previously linked with Anderlecht, Vera was described as a 'good and promising young player' by football analyst Joost van der Leij.

The verdict: Go for it

Valued at £5.4m (Transfermarkt), snapping up such a prodigious prospect at the mooted price point would be a wholly worthwhile move from Celtic, especially after missing out on Souza.

During the ongoing 2022 campaign in his homeland, the combative anchor man - who has been heralded for his strength and ability to be the driving force from a deep-lying role - has earned a superb 7.17 Sofascore rating, winning five duels and making 1.5 interceptions and one clearance per game in the Argentine top flight.

Already boasting 71 professional appearances despite his tender years, Vera would likely be able to withstand the rigours of the Premiership based on those statistics, and the idea of partnering the strong Argentine enforcer alongside the likes of David Turnbull and Matt O'Riley is an intriguing one.