Transfer Latest – Rocco Vata edges closer to Celtic exit

Vata, according to an update from Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, has visited the facilities at Watford and has net with senior club officials to discuss the deal.

Celtic will receive just £237,000 in training compensation for Vata, who is the son of Celtic 1990s cult hero Rudi Vata. Rudi has continually talked up Rocco’s preference to remain at Celtic, but this appears to have been in vain as yet another top product of the Celtic youth academy seems set to leave the club.

Brendan Rodgers is well aware of the pathway issue that Academy players experience as they increasingly see a route to the first team at Celtic blocked. And this time last year both Vata and Daniel Kelly dropped from the first team squad back to the B team as the Celtic manager had to make room for the multiple project signings arriving at the club.

Both players forced their way back into the first team squad in the second half of the season, with Kelly getting more game-time than Vata. Daniel Kelly’s contract runs out at the end of the year and he is after today free to talk to clubs regarding a pre-contract.

Celtic has made improved offers to both Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly, with the indication being that there were now take it or leave it deals. Frustratingly in Rocco’s case it looks like the latter option is going to be his decision.