DUTCH giants PSV Eindhoven have told Celtic they can sign Belgian wonderkid Zakaria Bakkali for a bargain £750,000.
The 19-year-old international is out of contract at the end of the season and has no intention of agreeing an extension.
Ronny Deila had originally thought about bringing in the player on a pre-contract – as he has done with Dundee United winger Gary Mackay-Steven.
However, the Dutch side look as though they are now prepared to accept a cut-price fee for Bakkali.
When he quits the club in the summer, they will receive only £200,000 in a development fee.
That situation has left the door open for the Hoops to swoop before tomorrow night’s transfer window deadline.
PSV Director of Football Marcel Brands is aware of Deila’s interest and would rather sell the player now.
Bakkali’s agent Marcel Veerman said: “I don’t know anyone who lives for football more than Zakaria.
“Money is not the motive for him.
“He wants to leave PSV because of sporting reasons.”
The exciting frontman, who can also perform in both wide berths, has played only 16 league games for PSV this season after reports of falling out of favour with boss Phillip Cocu.
He hit the headlines in August 2013 by becoming the youngest player at 17 years and 196 days to score a hat-trick in Eredivisie history during his club’s 5-0 win over NEC Nijmegen.
The teenager was born in Liege of Moroccan descent and opted to play for Belgium in October 2013.
His international manager Marc Wilmots rates him as one the country’s top young talents and tips him for a huge future.
Bakkali is currently injured, but is expected to be back to full fitness within two or three weeks.
