Celtic 'agree deal' for €14m AC Milan defender who shone at 2018 World Cup and compares himself to Alvaro Recoba

Diego Laxalt is reported to be joining Celtic. Picture: SNS

Celtic will sign Uruguayan left-back Diego Laxalt on loan from AC Milan today.

According to reports in Italy, a deal was agreed at the weekend for the 27-year-old to make the temporary switch to Parkhead.

Laxalt has fallen out of favour at the San Siro since joining in 2018 for a fee of €14million from Genoa.

After 29 appearances in his first season, the player was shipped out to Torino on loan.

He has 24 caps for Uruguay and impressed in the 2018 World Cup where he featured in four of his country’s five games, starting the final three at left-back, including a last-16 win over Portugal and quarter-final loss to France.

Laxalt, who moved to Italy from his homeland in 2013 to join Inter Milan, is a curious player with his ability to play down the left side as well as a more attacking option through the centre.

He will compete with Greg Taylor for the left wing-back or left-back role following the departure of Boli Bolingoli earlier in the window.

Celtic had been linked with Juventus defender Mattia De Sciglio over the weekend but it was reported he had rejected the chance to join the Scottish champions.

The full-back does, however, look to be joining French side Lyon on request of manager Rudi Garcia.

Lyon’s sporting director Juninho said: "It is a request from Rudi who is looking for a full-back who can play on both sides. We are making efforts to give the coach what he wants. The discussions are advanced, but not done at 100%."