Just a few days ago, the news broke of Celtic’s interest in Brazilian defensive midfielder Fernando Henrique.

As the Hoops look to strengthen the squad in January, the key area of the team that James McCarthy was clearly brought in to bolster remains a worry for Ange Postecoglou with the midfielder’s continuing battle with injury rumbling on.

Celtic do face stiff competition for the youngster’s signature with interest from The City Group and the Saudi team Al Ain, but it is thought that contact has already been made by the Hoops to Henrique’s representatives.

A report has emerged from Brazilian media outlet, Radar Esportes, that should excite Celtic fans and put Ange on red alert where they make a claim about where Henrique’s future lies beyond this season, “Alongside this agony of not knowing if it will still be in series A next season, the Grêmio board has the mission of managing the squad that will be available to coach Vagner Mancini.

“Many athletes were not used by Luiz Felipe Scolari and must be evaluated by the new technical committee.

“This is the case of the young Fernando Henrique, only 20 years old, who was practically touched by the former coach and may have more chances from now on, but it is not certain that he will stay for next year.”

So it does look like Gremio have resigned themselves to losing their star man next season and the only question is, will Celtic steal a march on the rest of the interested parties and capture his signature first?

This article was originally posted here