ECUADORIAN midfielder Sergio Quintero has revealed he could join Celtic this week.
The 20-year-old, who plays for his country’s club side Imbabura SC. has admitted he is in talks with the Hoops ahead of a possible £2.5million move.
Quintero insisted the transfer negotiations are at an advanced stage and the sensational switch could be pushed through in a matter of days.
The highly-rated youngster, quoted in the Daily Record, said: “I am thinking about a move to European football. I’m trying to be calm about it and take it easy.
“The representatives of Celtic have been in talks for some time with the president of Imbabura.
“An agreement has to be reached this week if the transfer is to go through.
“But if the deal doesn’t go through, I am relaxed because I have offers from other clubs in Europe and Ecuador. It’s important to make the best decision for me.
“It would be very difficult to adapt to life in a country like Scotland, but with time I think I would be able to settle in.
“I’ve already done English lessons – not a lot, but I have learned enough.”
Quintero added: “I always want to be a humble person. We are the youth champions of South America and we are the third best team in the world, but I am still the same man. I play with humility.
“I look at my football as a treat. I always want to enjoy myself, but I know I have to keep working hard if I want a good career in football.”
Quintero was one of his nation’s star performers as Ecuador claimed a surprise semi-final place at the World Cup Under 20s tournament in Poland this summer.
Celtic have already been linked with a move for his international team-mate Jose Cifuentes, as CQN reported last week.
Neil Lennon is looking to strengthen his midfield and has already brought in top Republic of Ireland prospect Luca Connell on a £350,000 development fee from Bolton.
Quintero and Cifuentes, who is also on Manchester City’s radar, could represent a spectacular piece of business by the eight-in-a-row champions at a joint fee of £5million.
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