Reports in France claim Celtic have struck an agreement to sign Mvuka as he targets a World Cup spot.
Celtic are closing in on the capture of Norwegian wide player Joel Mvuka from French outfit Lorient.
And he has made it clear that featuring at the World Cup this summer is firmly on his mind. The 23-year-old is capable of operating as a right winger or wing-back and has lifted trophies in three different nations — with Bodo-Glimt in his native Norway, with Young Boys during a loan spell in Switzerland, and in France’s Ligue 2 last season with Lorient.
It remains unclear whether a possible move for Mvuka would have any bearing on Celtic’s interest in Damir Redzic and Frosinone winger Faris Ghedjemis.
Mvuka played an important role for his club last season, but this term he has largely been used as cover for Theo Le Bris in Ligue 1 and has managed just five starts so far. Reports from France suggest Celtic have agreed a deal for Mvuka, who arrived at Lorient for £4 million three years ago.
He has earned 16 caps for Norway’s Under-21 side and has recently stressed his determination to join Erling Haaland and company on the flight to the USA with the national team. He said: “Of course I’m thinking about the World Cup. It’s a big dream and a huge opportunity for me.
“Representing Norway at the World Cup would be so amazing for me. The last few years have been incredible for Norway. There are many great players performing well, and the development of football in Norway is excellent.
“And I can assure you that many more will arrive very soon. My aim for this season has been to keep playing as much as possible and get as many assists as I can.
“I was always a winger, but last season at Lorient they tried me out as a wing back and I really enjoyed it.
“This means I have to be much more focused because I also have to think about defending. I enjoyed my loan spell in Switzerland with Young Boys and the standard was very high.”