Royal Antwerp boss Jonas De Roeck admits he is finding it “difficult to build” his side amid Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s links with Celtic.
The winger impressed in Belgium last season as he netted seven and assisted six – as well as showing he can make his mark on the Champions League chipping in with one goal in Europe’s elite competition. Brendan Rodgers have ramped up their summer business this week with Viljami Sinisalo and Kasper Schmeichel coming in the door in Glasgow’s east end – and Balikwisha also looks to be on the agenda.
The Scottish Premiership champions are said to be in contact with the player’s agent – with reports in Belgium suggesting that the Hoops and Antwerp will hold talks over the prospect of a deal for the 23-year-old in the coming days. And De Roeck told Het Nieuwsbladthat the potential exit of his key man puts him in a tough spot: “It’s not nice for a coach, but part of the game, un today’s transfer system with a market that is open until early September.
“If I have to take that into account now, then it is difficult to build something. It is human that some players could perform less due to uncertainty. But whether their future lies with Antwerp or elsewhere, I want to get those guys on board with my story, so that they are ready for when the matches with stakes come.”
Elsewhere, Carl Starfelt has been touted with a return to Parkhead just 12 months after leaving for Celta Vigo. Reports in Spain had suggested the Swede was surplus to requirements with the La Liga outfit – with boss Claudio Giraldez looking to bring in another centre-back.
But with pre-season now underway, Giraldez has played down the prospect of the 29-year-old leaving the club. He told La Voz De Galicia: “I had those conversations (about departures) at the end of the season. I speak a lot with everyone and each one knows their situation. I am clear that I am going to treat everyone well. The plan does not include the sale of Carl Starfelt.”
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