Monday 29 January 2018 18:40, UK
Brendan Rodgers has claimed Celtic have beaten interest from 24 clubs to the brink of signing Chelsea forward Charly Musonda on loan.
Sky Sports News understands the attacking midfielder is set to join on an 18-month deal, similar to that which took Patrick Roberts to Celtic from Manchester City several years ago.
Musonda signed a new contract at Chelsea just last month that keeps him with the Blues until 2022.
The 21-year-old made his Premier League debut as a substitute on the opening day of the season but has just six first-team appearances to his name this term.
Should the move go through Musonda, who would likely go straight into the Hoops squad for their league fixture against Hearts on Tuesday, will become the 34th Chelsea player to join another club on loan this season.
"Subject to a medical today, it is a really exciting prospect for the club," Rodgers said.
"Charly is a big talent that I've known for a few years now. Firstly, if it all goes through, it is a big thank you for Chelsea because he is really one of the shining lights within the academy and has progressed through with various loans out and obviously has been part of the first team squad.
"I think there was something up to 24 clubs interested in taking Charly so for him to want to come to here and Chelsea very happily to want him to come is a great coup for us as a football club.
"It is also a great opportunity for Charly to show his talent. He is a very exciting player, very dynamic, wonderful ability on the ball, works very hard, loves his football and he is a bright player.
"We have had a number of injuries to our creative players and he will add that creativity to that game and I am really excited to work with him."
