Celtic are finally closing in on Royal Antwerp right-back Aurelio Buta, according to The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin.  

Buta was first linked with a move to Parkhead on Saturday by journalist Ekrem Konur.

He claimed Ange Postecoglou wanted a transfer completed as soon as possible, with reports since suggesting a £3m deal has been agreed.

Buta has been with Antwerp since 2018 and has made over 100 appearances for the Belgian club, but it seems as if he will be moving to Scotland.

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The Latest: Devlin post

Devlin shared a story on what Celtic fans should expect from Buta on Wednesday morning.

He posted the link to his in-depth piece on Twitter, saying the Hoops are closing in on the 24-year-old who has an 'excellent final ball'.

“So it looks like Celtic are (finally) closing in on a right-back. Spent yesterday looking at Buta. Positives: Excellent final ball Very quick Room for improvement: Defending Uncertain whether he can do the inverted role”

The Verdict: Much-needed

Although Buta’s likely arrival is too late for when it comes to Celtic’s Champions League hopes, at least he’ll hopefully be ready for the new domestic season.

Anthony Ralston and Lee O’Connor have been Postecoglou’s options at right-back so far, so having Buta, who has Europa League experience to his name, is surely an upgrade.

Who knows, Postecoglou might even want another one to rival Buta, with Croatian Josip Juranovic another name to be linked with a Glasgow switch.

In other news: Journalist claims agent has offered £5.4m-rated free agent to Celtic.