CELTIC have joined the chase for in-demand Turkish midfielder Demir Ege Tiknaz.
The 6ft 4in defensive middle-of-the-park operator has attracted attention from Germany, Italy and France after his performances on loan from Besiktas to Portuguese top-flight outfit Rio Ave.
The champions have “made contact” concerning the 20-year-old prospect, according to reports in Lisbon sports media outlet A Bola
TURKISH TARGET…Celtic have been linked with £4.25m-rated midfielder Demir Age Tiknaz.
Tiknaz plays in the role the Hoops had earmarked for South Korean Kwon Hyeuk-kyu when he arrived two years ago, but has failed to sufficiently impress Brendan Rodgers and has spent the last two seasons at St Mirren and Hibs on temporary transfers.
The towering anchorman, who made 29 appearances for the Turkish giants in his his debut campaign in 2023 and still has two years to run on his contract, excelled as Rio finished eleventh in the 18-team league.
The youngster scored four goals in 33 outings for the club to help steer them away from the relegation zone.
The Portuguese club hold a £4.25million option to buy before Tuesday otherwise Tiknaz returns to Besiktas and interested clubs will have to negotiate with the Istanbul club.
If Rio sign the player they could be open to offers to make a quick profit on the player.
