CELTIC are closing in on top Romanian midfield prospect Ovidiu Popescu after they sent a scout to watch the Steaua Bucharest playmaker, writes Mark Walker.

And Steaua’s owner has revealed he’s already held talks with the Parkhead side about their top player, who he believes will one day be worth £25m.

The Scottish champions watched the 23-year-old at the weekend in the derby between Steaua and Dinamo Bucharest.

Popescu cost Steaua £200,000 last year when they signed him from Poli Timisoara on a bumper six-year deal.

And he’s blossomed into one of the best players in the Romanian League.
Outspoken Steaua owner George Becali immediately inserted an £8m release clause into his contract.

And he’s waiting for Celtic to follow up their initial interest in Popescu, who can also play right-back.

Becali said: “Celtic came to watch him at the weekend and we’ve talked.

“There has already been an offer for him, although I won’t say from which club it was from.

“He has a release clause which isn’t unrealistic. Anderlecht paid us £8m for Nicolae Stanciu and Ovidiu is just as good... probably better actually.

“When we signed him, I told him within a year or two I would guarantee him a move to a big club in Europe where he is paid a big salary and that’s what will happen.

“He’s the most exciting player to come from Romania in years. He’s not going to be sold for nothing.”

Popescu has been labelled the Frank Lampard of Romanian football in his homeland for his box-to-box play.

Becali stated two weeks ago: “Ovidiu is the same type of player as Frank Lampard at Chelsea.

“He will be worth £25m one day. He’s a central midfielder, who can also play right back – he’s so versatile.

“He runs at opponents and humiliates them when he gets past them. No one can keep up with him with that initial five-yard burst of pace.”