CELTIC IN ECUADOR TEEN SENSATION LINK

CELTIC’S bid to restrutcture their defence has taken them to Ecuador where they are eyeing £3.5million-rated centre-half Piero Hincapie.

The 19-year-old wonderkid is currently representing his country in the Copa America and has started all three of the games in Brazil against Colombia, Venezvuela and Peru.

Hincapie, who plays for Argentina’s top-flight club Talleres de Cordoba, is now likely to face the hosts – and £200million man Neymar – on Sunday.

The teen sensation is also being monitored by Newcastle United, who maintain an interest in Hoops centre-back Kristoffer Ajer. Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and AC Milan are also keeping an eye on the situation, according to a report in the Scottish Sun.

The middle of the rearguard is a major concern for new boss Ange Postecoglou with the Norwegian on the move, Christopher Jullien out until October at least with a knee injury while back-up Hatem Abd Elhamed returned to Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the January window. Shane Duffy, who flopped during his loan period to his boyhood heroes, has returned to Brighton.

Stephen Welsh was brought in from his right-back slot to provide cover in the second part of last season, but it is clear the former Australia international manager needs to strengthen in a crucial part of his line-up.

Postecoglou has also been linked with £5million-rated Hadjuk Split central defender Mario Vuskovic, as CQN reportedyesterday.