Looking at the current Republic of Ireland underage squads, there seems to be quite a few exciting attacking players coming through the ranks at the moment.
The likes of Kevin Zefi, Trent Kone-Doherty, and Justin Farizaj are just three of the players in forward areas who look as though they could have big futures in the game.
Rocco Vata is another one.
The 18-year old looks like an incredibly exciting prospect, with the player having already starred for both Celtic and Ireland at underage level. The son of former Celtic and Albania star Rudi Vata, he is eligible for Ireland through his Irish grandmother. He has been capped up to U21 level, scoring on his debut for Jim Crawford's side in September.
Despite his talents, Vata has yet to be given a real first team opportunity at Parkhead. The winger made four league appearances for the club last season, all of which came via late cameos off the bench. He has yet to feature this season, despite the fact that he has scored 12 goals in 13 league appearances for the club's 'B' team.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, it now looks as though he will be taking his talents elsewhere.
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Republic of Ireland wonderkid in talks over European move
According to both Fabrizio Romano and Football Insider, Rocco Vata has been given permission to speak to Bologna ahead of a potential January move.
🔴🔵🇮🇪 Excl: Bologna are interested in Celtic 18 year old talent Rocco Vata as potential opportunity for the January transfer window.
Talks expected to take place soon and more will follow as interest in Irish talent is now growing. pic.twitter.com/9Yod8p4nt9— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 8, 2024
With the player's contract expiring in June and his lack of minutes this season, the Scottish club would likely accept a nominal fee to sell the player this month.
At worst, Vata could agree a free transfer that would be completed in the summer. In this scenario, Celtic would be due a compensation fee of around £343,000.
The player has been linked with a number of clubs over the last year or so, including the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, and Juventus. However, it seems as though Bologna have jumped to the front of the queue.
You would imagine that the teenager would be given assurances about first team opportunities should he move to the club, something he needs at this point in his career. Bologna are a club on the rise, currently sitting fifth in Serie A and having a real chance of securing Champions League football for next season.
As long as he is given the chance to play, that seems like an ideal fit for an emerging talent such as Rocco Vata. We're looking forward to seeing what he can do in senior football.
If he can excel, it would be an exciting prospect for the Republic of Ireland.
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