Watford set for battle in Celtic transfer chase | OneFootball

Serie A side Lazio are set to join the race for Celtic’s Rocco Vata this summer.

According to Italian outlet Citta Celeste, the Rome-based club is planning a move for the 18-year-old as part of their squad overhaul.

Vata has come through the academy system at Parkhead, but has been unable to break into the first team squad consistently.

He has featured five times in the Scottish Premiership over the last two seasons, with all of those appearances coming from the bench (all stats from Fbref).

A move could be on the cards this summer, with a view to potentially receiving greater playing time.

Rocco Vata transfer latest

Watford have previously been linked with a move for Vata, but they will now face competition from Lazio.

Vata’s deal with Celtic is set to expire in the summer, meaning he will be available as a free agent.

However, a compensation fee will still need to be given to Celtic due to him being with the club since he was seven.

If Watford win the race to sign the forward, then it is understood they will owe the Scottish giants a fee in the region of £239,000.

Celtic have offered a new deal to the Ireland underage international, but his lack of game time under Brendan Rodgers could signal his intention to depart Glasgow at the end of the campaign.

The offer from Celtic would keep him at the club until the summer of 2027, but it remains to be seen whether he can be convinced to stay.

Lazio are expected to overhaul their first team squad this upcoming transfer window, with the Italian club looking to put an emphasis on youth.

A number of high profile players like Ciro Immobile and Luis Alberto are out of contract and set to depart the Stadio Olimpico.

Vata is one of several targets that have been identified by the top flight club.

Como, Bologna and Sampdoria have all also been mentioned as sides with an interest in the Celtic starlet.

Watford are planning for life in the Championship next season, with the club set to remain in the second division.

The Hornets are currently 15th in the table, 19 points adrift of the play-off places with just three games remaining.

The gap to the relegation zone is also eight points, meaning the club is safe in its position in the second tier.

Tom Cleverley is in charge of the first team squad, but it is unclear whether he will remain at helm on a permanent basis for next season.

Vata is an exciting prospect

Vata has been unable to cement himself as a regular presence in the Celtic side this season, but there is no denying the excitement around his potential.

The forward has already been recognised as an Ireland U21 international, highlighting the promise he’s shown at underage level.

A move to Watford could be quite enticing, although the lack of a permanent manager makes it difficult to judge what to expect from the team next year.

Vata will likely prioritise game time with his next move, so the Championship side’s best chance of securing his signature is guaranteeing him a quick pathway into the first team squad.