Rocco Vata could depart Celtic this summer for a fee in the region of £2-3 million, sources have informed Football Insider.

Football Insider journalist and Scottish football authority Daniel Bowers, speaking on the Inside Track podcast, highlighted the 19-year-old’s significant impact during his appearances for the Hoops.

Vata’s future remains uncertain, with Football Insider disclosing that Nottingham Forest recently lodged a bid for the young midfielder, which was subsequently rejected.

Watford and Bologna are also expressing strong interest in securing the Republic of Ireland U-21 international, intensifying the competition for his signature.

Vata has turned down a new contract offer from Brendan Rodgers’s side, raising the possibility of his departure from the Scottish champions this summer. There is a strong desire among supporters to see more of Vata, who has been with Celtic since he was seven years old. His departure would undoubtedly disappoint many fans.

Vata is highly regarded, and with fewer players emerging from the academy in recent years, there is heightened fan interest in his development. However, the young Scot’s lack of first-team minutes is a significant concern. Vata is eager for more playing time, which might prompt his exit from Celtic Park.

The club might not be the ideal environment for Vata’s growth:

Despite the legacy of his father, who was a notable figure at Celtic in the early 1990s, nostalgic ties may not suffice to keep Vata at the club.

Last season, Vata made only a single cameo appearance in the Scottish Premiership, with the bulk of his playing time occurring in the Lowland League. A move to the Championship could be beneficial, offering Vata the regular playing time essential for his development as a player.

Vata’s potential departure is part of a broader strategy Brendan Rodgers may adopt this summer. Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie mentioned to Football Insider that the club needs to “get rid of” up to seven players during this transfer window.

Among those McAvennie deems surplus to requirements is goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist, suggesting a busy and possibly transformative summer for the Hoops.