If a recent report from Tuttosport (as relayed by Sport Witness) is to be believed, Celtic are interested in acquiring Manchester City’s Ian Poveda.

And even though the Scottish giants might face some competition from the likes of Torino and even Leeds United, Celtic have been offered the chance to take the talented 19-year-old to the Scottish Premiership.

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His contract is due to expire in the summer and while the Citizens reportedly don’t intend to give him an extension, they do wish for him to go to a “friendly club”, just in case he does turn out to be a star in the near future.

Given Man City’s previous history negotiating transfers with Celtic, it’s easy to see why the Citizens have offered the Hoops another of their academy products.

But who exactly is this young player linked with a move to Paradise?

Let’s see what the media have said about the young lad…

Goal

Goal have taken it upon themselves to profile some of the brightest young talents in Man City’s academy and, unsurprisingly, Poveda was one of the names on their list.

They lauded his ability to shield the ball and mention dribbling as one of his biggest strengths.

Here’s what they said in their report:

“An England youth international with Colombian heritage, Poveda, 18, has had quite the journey already, having had spells with Puerto Malagueno, Barcelona and Brentford.

“He is smaller than many of his team-mates but shields the ball from bigger rivals by cleverly using his body, and is not shy of putting himself about. A very good dribbler, capable of playing on both flanks.”

Latina American Post

With his Colombian background, it doesn’t surprise that the media from South America have taken a particular interest in the 19-year-old player.

In fact, they wrote an extensive article which outlines some of Poveda’s best characteristics and tipped him for a great future if he continues working extremely hard.

They also emphasised the fact that his development has quickly caught the eyes of the footballing world.

Here’s what they mention about the “extreme forward” in their analysis from early 2019:

“With only 18 years old, his talent, discipline, passion, and commitment to soccer have begun to cause conmotion in the various media worldwide, thanks to its technical director José “Pep” Guardiola.

“Since his foray into the world of football as an extreme forward, Poveda has worn the uniform of important teams in Europe in youth categories.

“His evolution as a soccer player has increasingly gained strength and recognition, given that this year the talented player, who has played 23 games between the Premier League 2 (Fourth Division of English football), UEFA Youth League and the EFL Trophy with five goals.”

Pep Guardiola, current Manchester City manager

Finally, the man who had the privilege of actually coaching and watching Poveda develop as a player is none other than Guardiola himself.

The Catalan gaffer was quick to praise the youngster in the past, stating that he is a brave player.

Speaking after giving Poveda his Man City debut, Guardiola said the following to MSN Deportes portal (via Latina American post):

“It was a good debut, he showed a lot of his talent and I know he will continue to progress, he is a brave player.”