Celtic want Augsburg defensive midfielder Elvis Rexhbeca | OneFootball

Celtic are one of the clubs keen on recruiting the services of Augsburg defensive midfielder Elvis Rexhbeca ahead of the summer transfer window, according to German journalist Dominik Schneider.

The Parkhead club are preparing for the 2025-26 campaign, with manager Brendan Rodgers desperate to impress in Europe after the Hoops crashed out of the Champions League at the league phase, and strengthening the midfield is top of his plans.

Celtic have identified Rexhbeca as a transfer target, but they will face competition from the likes of Besiktas and Parma for him, while some English Championship clubs are also keen.

Once dubbed an ‘incredibly powerful, aggressive and strong player’ by Martin Schmidt – his manager while at Wolfsburg – the 27-year-old Kosovo international has played 179 times in the Bundesliga, and Celtic could do with his huge experience and quality in the middle of the park.

Talks over a contract extension have stalled between Augsburg and Rexhbeca, but the German top-flight are still hoping to convince him to commit his future to the club.

The Bhoys and other suitors will continue monitoring his situation and look to take swift action once an opportunity to sign him presents itself in the summer.

Celtic need more quality players if they plan to make any mark on the continent anytime soon, and landing Rexhbeca could help boost their chances of progressing to the knock-out stages of the Champions League next season and going forward.

He is entering the last 12 months of his deal at the end of the season, and Augsburg could be forced to sell him if he has not agreed to a new deal by then so as not to lose him for nothing next summer.

Celtic would be able to afford his fees once it becomes clear that he is for sale, and quickly wrapping up a deal for him in the summer could go a long way.