Celtic transfer state of play on Rojas, Dahbo, Begovic and McKenna as Copa America breakout star 'targeted'

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are targeting quality under Brendan Rodgers - a word the Irishman has stressed on countless occasions since returning to Parkhead.

However, securing emerging talent has long been the MO in the east end and now two teenage breakout names are reportedly on their shopping list. Sweden youth international Pontus Dahbo – valued at £3.4m – and fellow 18-year-old Andy Rojas have been linked in the past 48 hours. And now Rojas, a Costa Rica international breaking out at the Copa America is reportedly on the wanted list, according to the Scottish Sun. Rojas can operate in multiple positions across the frontline and it's understood there is significant interest from Portugal in securing his exit from Herediano.

Celtic fans are craving experienced arrivals but future stars with untapped potential have long paid off for a club who are seeking £30M for Matt O'Riley – two-and-a-half years after signing him from MK Dons for £1.5m. Meanwhile, Asmir Begovic has admitted he’s excited for the next chapter in his career amid rumours he could be joining Celtic.

The 37-year-old Bosnian keeper, keen to play on after shunning retirement talk, has been linked with a move to Parkhead after Joe Hart hung up his gloves. Rodgers is in the market for a new No.1 and veteran Begovic could fit the bill. But Celtic will have to fight off a number of Premier League sides if they want to land the keeper with former club Bournemouth and Newcastle also keen.

Begovic rejected a new deal at Loftus Road after the club captain learned he'd be second choice next season. Paul Nardi is joining from Belgian side KAA Gent to replace Begovic, who was among the big earners at QPR after arriving last summer as a free agent when Gareth Ainsworth was still in charge of the first team squad. After his release, the 63-time capped shot stopper said: “I’m really excited for the next challenge.”

Elsewhere, newly-appointed Copenhagen sporting director Sune Smith-Nielsen has refused to be drawn about whether they would attempt to sign Scott McKenna – who has long been on Rodgers' radar.. He said: “Scott’s contract with Forest has expired. And his loan here expires on June 30. Right now we have to deal with that. But I don’t want to comment on our transfer plans about specific names.”