Scottish champions Celtic could well be looking to strengthen defensive ranks even further in the January window, having already secured the signings of Alistair Johnston and Yuki Kobayashi.

What’s the word?

According to Spanish outlet Radio Marca Valladolid, the Old Firm giants are believed to be one of several European clubs who are interested in signing Real Valladolid sensation, Ivan Fresneda, in 2023.

The report suggests that the Parkhead outfit – as well as the likes of Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus, among others – are interested in making an offer for the 18-year-old, despite the defender’s inexperience at first-team level.

Any move could well prove costly for those interested parties, however, with the piece also adding that the right-back has a release clause of around €30m (£26m) in his existing deal, with that figure having the potential to rise even further.

Juranovic heir

While the Glasgow side are highly unlikely to meet that clause – with the club’s current record transfer that of Odsonne Edouard for a fee of around £9m – the aim would no doubt be to agree to a reduced fee or strike a loan deal for the promising talent.

Although the teenage Spaniard has made just nine appearances for the La Liga outfit to date at senior level, the Madrid-born starlet has clearly already made an impression in that time, having been praised for his “beastly ability” to provide quality service from the flanks, in the words of journalist Juan Arroita.

The 6-foot ace has showcased his undoubted talent in the early weeks of the current campaign having made seven appearances in all competitions thus far, notably ranking in the top 16% in Europe among those in his position for progressive passes received to illustrate his strength in possession.

Not only a threat in an attacking sense, the Spain U19 international has also illustrated his willingness to put in the hard yards defensively, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 5% for tackles made and the top 3% for interceptions.

The exciting asset could well prove to be a suitable heir to highly-coveted star, Josip Juranovic at Paradise, with the Croatia international potentially set for a departure next month following a stall in contract negotiations.

Having been “immense” for his country in Qatar – according to writer Zach Lowy – the 27-year-old is now believed to even be attracting the attention of the likes of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Manchester United.

The former Legia Warsaw man has spent the past 18 months in Scotland since his £2.5m arrival last summer, notably illustrating his attacking threat after scoring six times and registering three assists in 50 games for the Bhoys to date.

With it looking likely that an exit will be on the cards in the New Year, Postecoglou could well turn to young Fresneda as a more long-term fit, with the one-time Real Madrid youth asset able to provide stern competition to both Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston.