CELTIC are exploring a deal for a midfielder with almost half a century of international caps, according to reports.
So far the Hoops have made just one signing in the January transfer window, welcoming right-back Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth.
It’s understood the Parkhead club are however on the brink of announcing a loan-to-buy deal for Tomas Cvancara from Wolfsburg.
But Martin O’Neill won’t want the new additions to stop there and Celtic are now being linked with RB Leipzig‘s Xaver Schlager.
The 28-year-old central midfielder has been playing regularly but is out of contract at the end of the season – and is yet to sign a new deal.
According to German sports media outlet 4-4-2, Celtic are interested in Schlager.
The Hoops could wait until the summer when his contract is up but the situation is further complicated by reports of Arne Engels being a target for RB Leipzig.
It’s believed Engels is on the shortlist for RB Leipzig to replace Schlager if he doesn’t put pen to paper on a new deal.
Engels and AC Milan‘s Ardon Jashari (who was once a Celts transfer target himself) are believed to be of interest to RB Leipzig.
Schlager is a regular in the Austria squad and has so far won 49 caps and scored four goals for his national team.
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Prior to joining RB Leipzig, Schlager was on the books at fellow Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg.
He originally came through the ranks at Red Bull Salzburg in his homeland, first playing with their reserve side.
Schlager has played 13 times in the Bundesliga so far this season, hitting the net twice.
Reports from Germany indicate that Leipzig’s target to replace Schlager is Rocco Reitz, the 23-year-old from Borussia Monchengladbach.
But it’s being claimed that Leipzig are put off by the release clause in his contract, thought to be close to £25m.
They could wait until the summer for Reitz and that would mean a potential move for Engels might not materialise until then too.
A host of clubs are rumoured to be keen on Schlager, including Serie A giants Juventus.
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