Tete puts Celtic on transfer alert as winger quits Shakhtar and Brendan Rodgers 'strong favourite' to sign him
The Brazilian has reluctantly admitted he has to leave Ukraine and has plenty of options in Europe.
Brazilian winger Tete has put Celtic on transfer alert after announcing he will quit Shakhtar Donetsk and a host of clubs are keen to land him.
Reports in Ukraine have hinted the Treble winners are red hot favourites to land him, having previously worked with Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City. He was on loan at the King Power Stadium last season, as well as joining Lyon on a temporary basis as he looked to settle in Europe away from the war in Ukraine.
Tete is out of contract at the end of 2023, but wants to rip up his deal with Shakhtar in order to secure a switch this summer. He has no intention of returning to the club, despite declaring his love for the Miners but reluctantly admits he has to move on. He said: "I love the club, but I am afraid to go on the pitch during a war.
"No one could have imagined such a scenario. It is hard to believe that the events of the last year and a half really happened. "Shakhtar became the first serious club in my career and gave me a lot. I will always love this team. But I can no longer stay here. I hope the fans understand my point of view.
"There are clubs that are interested in me. My agent is already negotiating with the management of Shakhtar about my contract."
Tete, who has represented Brazil at all youth levels, moved to Donetsk four years ago from Gremio. Rodgers was full of praise for Tete when he secured his loan signing for the Foxes and he scored on his debut against Aston Villa.
He said: "Tete was what I have been talking about for 18 months – a right-winger that can take the ball, pass the ball, look after it, make runs and work.
"What a debut for him. It was really good. He knows football, he knows the type of game we were trying to play, his touch is immaculate. He has a good weight of pass but can run in behind. His finish was absolutely brilliant. He loves football off the pitch and he is super professional."
However, he was unable to maintain his initial good form and failed to score another goal as Leicester were relegated and his loan spell ended.
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