DEAL CLOSE: Ajax Amsterdam are close to announce the deal of Dutch international defender, who agreed personal terms with

Celtic are well known to be on the hunt for a left-back this summer with Brendan Rodgers requiring competition for Greg Taylor.

Currently, only the untested Matthew Anderson is in place to provide backup for the Scotland international with Alexandro Bernabei out on loan in Brazil.

 Celtic return, Hamish says goodbye and the future of 67 Hail Hail

It’s a key priority in the closing stages of the transfer window and although the club have been linked with players such as Hugo Bueno and Owen Beck, no breakthrough has been made.

Now, another name is piquing Celtic’s interest as the Bhoys turn to Eredivisie giants Ajax for inspiration.

Celtic show interest in Owen Wijndal

Sky Sports report that both Celtic and Werder Bremen have made initial enquiries with the Dutch club for defender Owen Wijndal.

Ajax are said to be open to offers for the player, who spent last season on loan at Royal Antwerp in Belgium.

Wijndal is contracted to his club until 2027 so, theorising, this may be a case of loan-to-buy from a Celtic perspective but it’s a promising update on a position of need for the Bhoys.

WEZEP, 13-07-2024 , Sportpark Mulderssingel, football, friendly, season 2024 / 2025, during the match Ajax – Rangers FC, Ajax player Owen Wijndal

Wijndal’s career to date

The left-back made his senior debut at AZ Alkmaar, for whom he made 143 appearances in total. A standout 2021/22 season which resulted in 12 assists alerted Ajax to his potential.

They subsequently agreed to an £8.5m deal for the player and he made 32 appearances before making that loan switch to Belgium.

His form at AZ Alkmaar also earned him international recognition, winning 11 caps for the Netherlands in 2020 and 2021.

He featured 40 times for Antwerp last term including six starts in the group stages of the Champions League, helping beat Barcelona 3-2 on the final matchday.