Both Celtic and Bristol City are getting closer to agreeing a fee for Oxford United defender Rob Atkinson, according to Alan Nixon.
The centre-back starred in a U’s side that finished in the League One play-offs last season and are holding out for a fee thought to be around the £1.6m mark.
It appears that both Bristol City and Celtic are getting nearer to Oxford’s asking price and if an agreement can be reached, it is likely the player will depart after just one season at the Kassam Stadium.
Atkinson is a classy, ball-carrying defender who is strong in the air but also well known for his ability to carry the ball out of defence.
The ex-Eastleigh man was key to Oxford’s success during the 2020/21 campaign, scoring two goals in 44 appearances.
The 22-year-old also won 358 aerial duels, 78% of all those he contested while he won 64 tackles and completed 79 successful dribbles, the most of any defender in League One last season.
Bristol City will be hoping they can persuade him to join them at Ashton Gate but Celtic could also be a big draw for the youngster.
Ex-Australian national team coach Ange Postecoglou has just taken over at Celtic Park after an impressing in Japan with Yokohama, becoming the first Australian to win the J-League.