Celtic were dealt a big blow last week after their reported transfer target Vinicius Souza was snapped up by Spanish club Espanyol.

Despite that setback, the Hoops still have plenty of time to get a new midfielder added to their squad instead of the Brazilian.

Another South American player who has been mentioned with a move to Parkhead this summer and who could be a dream alternative to Souza is Fausto Vera.

Last week, it was reported by Latin Tribun (via Daily Record) that Celtic are potential suitors for the player alongside Belgian club Genk.

In 71 appearances for Argentinos Juniors, the 22-year-old has scored seven goals and delivered three assists for his team. The midfielder has also made 23 youth appearances for Argentina, chipping in with two goals.

Having made 23 appearances across 2022, Vera has played every minute for his team, showing just how reliable he is and how much he is valued at his current club.

In his six league games so far this season, the midfielder has taken more shots at goal (17) than any of his team-mates, along with making nine interceptions and winning five tackles.

This backs up why journalist Pablo Carrozza hailed Vera as “one of the most complete footballers” in Argentina. He also said that the £5.4m-rated youngster “runs, puts in, plays one touch, with his head up”, in addition to having a “barbaric punch”.

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that the Argentine starlet clearly has a lot of talent and promise and could well be an ideal alternative for Souza at Celtic.

Bearing in mind how the Hoops saw Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic leave the club at the end of last season, following on from Scott Brown’s departure the year before, this highlights the need to add another midfielder to Ange Postecoglou’s squad sooner rather than later.

Also, with Ismaila Soro recently joining FC Arouca on a loan deal with an option to sign permanently, this will give someone like Vera the chance to earn a place in the Celtic team should he make the move to Parkhead this summer.

With the Souza ship having sailed, Celtic’s focus should now be on securing a deal for the Argentine talent and getting him to follow in the footsteps of his fellow countryman Alexandro Bernabei and become the latest signing under Postecoglou.

AND in other news – Imagine him & McGregor: Ange can form “massive” Celtic duo by signing £4.5k-p/w brute