GUEST BLOG: THOUGHTS ON CELTIC TRANSFER TARGET OVIDIU POPESCU

Celtic have today been linked with Romanian midfielder Ovidiu Popescu, Focus on Celtic gives his thoughts on the player.

Last week Brendan Rodgers outlined his summer transfer plans. Targeting a midfielder "who can make a pass and make a difference in the Champions League" seemed to be a priority, and the media has linked Celtic with a midfielder today, that could fit that mould.

23 year old Ovidiu Popescu is a former Romanian under 21 international who signed for for Steaua Bucharest in June 2016. Physically strong, loves to tackle and a very good passer, Popescu plays in a defensive midfielder position, but can also play in the 'quarterback' role, spreading the ball to attacking positions. He can create space for himself with a burst of pace and with his passing ability, he is regularly involved in the build up to goals, and chips in with assists. Although he isn't known for his goalscoring, he can chip in with a spectacular goal.

He's played 104 professional games in his career, scoring 14 goals. He has played 30 times for Steaua this season since singing, scoring 3 goals. European experience is also on his CV having played in the Champions League qualifiers, and then the Europa League group stages this season.

The only stumbling block in a move to Celtic is a release clause in his contract which is believed to be around £8 million, although Steaua owner George Becali has said: "Ovidiu is the same type of player as Frank Lampard at Chelsea. He will be worth £25 million one day. He’s a central midfielder, who can also play right back – he’s so versatile.". Our Romanian source told me that he would be a big loss to the Steaua team, and he expects him to play for Romania against Poland, or in the friendly against Chile. Either way Popescu is expected to be a major player for Romania in the years to come.

Romanian source: @FCSteaua_en

You can follow the author on twitter: @FocusOnCeltic