Celtic are ready to pay £4m for Rubin Kazan defender Carl Starfelt, according to Sport Expressen reporter Anel Avdic.

The Lowdown: Romano claim

The Hoops’ interest in Starfelt emerged on Tuesday afternoon. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared the news on Twitter, revealing Celtic were in direct with the 26-year-old regarding personal terms.

Romano added that an opening bid was set to be made for the Sweden international, with talks underway between the two parties.

Starfelt is under contract with the Russian side until 2024 and has made 42 appearances for Kazan, however, it seems as if Celtic want to take him to Scotland.

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The Latest: Avdic post

Sport Expressen reporter Avdic quoted Romano’s tweet and added some more information regarding a potential move.

He claimed Celtic were ready to pay £4m for Starfelt, with 10% of any deal going to former side IFK Goteborg.

“According to our sources at Sport Expressen Celtic is ready to pay around £4 m to Rubin Kazan. 10% of the transfer fee will go to Starfelt’s former club IFK Göteborg.”

The Verdict: Starfelt and Vuskovic for Ajer?

Norwich are thought to be preparing an improved £12m offer for Kristoffer Ajer, so the Hoops could end up signing two defenders with that money, while also having funds left over.

Ajer wants to leave Parkhead, so it would make sense to cash in, especially as he has just 12 months left on his Celtic contract.

Should the Hoops be successful with a £4m bid for Starfelt and in their attempts in a £5m move for Mario Vuskovic, they could end up bringing in two high-quality replacements with money left to spend.

In other news: Celtic now 'moving' to sign ace on Top-100 prospects list alongside Sancho, Foden and Saka, find out more here