Mingueza, Juventus ‘to push’ for January deal as Celta hold firm | OneFootball

Óscar Mingueza’s future looks far from Balaídos. The Celta Vigo defender is out of contract on 30 June and has closed the door on an extension, having been free to talk to clubs since 1 January.

"Celta cannot reach those salaries, at most they can offer a little over one million," said Juan Carlos Álvarez to Sport.

Juventus have shown interest and talks between Turin and Vigo have intensified. Celta have refused to negotiate, pointing to a 20 million release clause, which would be halved because Barça retain 50% of a sale, leaving 10 million. The Italians want him this month for a fee. Thursday is seen as decisive for any agreement.

Sporting director Marco Garcés views Mingueza as essential to Claudio Giráldez’s plans and believes a mid-season exit would undermine ambitions. Celta are in strong La Liga form with European places in reach, and are pushing to make the Europa League’s top 24.

Mingueza is settled in Vigo, fully committed to the squad and close to Borja Iglesias. This is his fourth season at Balaídos.

The Premier League appeals. Aston Villa tracked him under Monchi, a plan revived under Roberto Olabe, with Unai Emery an admirer. Álvarez has not ruled out a January exit and has pointed to a presumed Atlético approach, while questioning whether he suits England’s pace and physicality.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo