Celtic target Milan Vitalis is reportedly edging towards a move to AEK Athens following an apparent fallout with ETO FC Gyori head coach Efrain Juarez.
The Hungarian international skippered Gyori to a surprise league title last season, a campaign that prompted Balazs Borbely to leave the club and succeed Robbie Keane at Ferencvaros.
Juarez, the former Celtic defender, was appointed as Borbely’s replacement but has endured a difficult start to life in charge, with Gyori crashing out of Champions League qualifying against Icelandic outfit Vikingur.
Reports in Hungary now suggest tensions have escalated between Juarez and his captain, with Vitalis seemingly heading for the exit.
According to Nemzeti Sport, the relationship deteriorated after Juarez withdrew Vitalis at the interval during Gyori’s Conference League qualifier against Luxembourg side Atert Bissen.
The report claims the substitution sparked a heated disagreement, with the midfielder allegedly refusing to return to the substitutes’ bench after half-time and instead watching the remainder of the match from the VIP section alongside other omitted players.
Juarez is then said to have informed Vitalis that he had no future under him at the club, paving the way for a summer departure.
AEK Athens are now believed to be closing in on the 25-year-old, with a deal worth around €2.5 million reportedly nearing completion after the Greek club’s proposed move for former Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham fell through.
Vitalis was first linked with Celtic earlier this year, with reports in Hungary suggesting both the Scottish champions and Rangers had been monitoring his progress.
The midfielder made his senior Hungary debut earlier this year and has since established himself in the national squad, earning eight international caps.
Celtic could yet reshape their midfield before the transfer window closes, with Arne Engels continuing to attract strong interest from West Ham, who have already seen multiple offers rejected despite reportedly agreeing personal terms with the Belgian.
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