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Celtic transfer news: Sevilla chief offers positive Dedryck Boyata update
CELTIC star Dedryck Boyata appears close to leaving the club after Sevilla director Joaquin Caparros confirmed the Spanish club's interest.
The Belgian has been heavily linked with a move away from Parkhead in recent months after proving his worth at the World Cup with Roberto Martinez's side.
While the player enjoyed an impressive summer with his country, Boyata has been struggling since returning to Celtic.
Some fans have called for his departure after the defender reportedly refused to play against AEK Athens earlier this month, a claim he denies.
But it appears Sevilla may be about to offer Boyata an escape route after months of tracking the 27-year-old.
Boyata is one of those players that we have been following for a long time
“Boyata is one of those players that we have been following for a long time," Caparros confirmed on Tuesday.
"Defence is an area we need to reinforce.
“We must proceed calmly because there are many factors with a transfer that doesn’t just depend on ourselves.
“The squad is balanced and impressive, but maybe there is something missing and we will try to address that.”
Boyata had also attracted interest from Fulham this summer but the Hoops rejected a bid of £9m before the English transfer window closed earlier this month.
This led to Boyata's agent claiming Celtic had not kept promises made to his client.
“Dedryck is disappointed because he has been made promises that have not been kept," said Jacques Lichtenstein.
“When a club promises a player they will be co-operative in the next transfer window, but does not keep its promise, it seems obvious that they will not keep their promise of extending his contract.”
Outspoken Celtic hero Chris Sutton has had his say on the former Manchester City defender, claiming his former side should cash in on the 'bombscare' defender.
"Dedryck Boyata should be grateful Celtic gave him the opportunity to play," he tweeted last week.
"While he has some good attributes he has been a bombscare at times.
"He is a disgrace.
"Celtic need to get him out of the building ASAP.
"Important thing is to get a quality centre half in now."
Sevilla have 10 days to secure Boyata's signature before the Spanish window slams shut.
Celtic are themselves preparing to launch a double raid for Aberdeen’s Scott McKenna and Wolfsburg ace Jeffrey Bruma.