Real Madrid have entered the race to sign former Celtic defender Jeremie Frimpong, according to Fichajes.com.

The Spanish website claims that the La Liga club are “attentive” to the Bayer Leverkusen player’s situation, with the Dutchman expected to be sold for around €40m (£34.3m).

Frimpong is being considered as a potential successor to Dani Carvajal who, at 31 years of age, is closing in on the final stages of his career at the top level.

If Frimpong does get sold to Real or another club for his reported asking price, Celtic could stand to earn a sizeable amount, as they included a sell-on clause that would entitle them to 30% of the profit on any future transfer.

The Hoops may receive as much as £6.8m, in addition to the £11.5m they got for the 22-year-old when they sold him during the 2021 January transfer window.

Competition for Frimpong could drive up the price further

Manchester United have a longstanding interest in the former Manchester City academy player, having spoken to his agents a few months ago.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also revealed on Sunday that “many clubs” want Frimpong, having been impressed with the wingback’s performances in Germany last season.

The Netherlands Under 21 international scored nine goals and provided 11 assists in 48 appearances for Leverkusen, demonstrating his strengths in the final third of the pitch.

Celtic could have a substantial transfer war chest

With reports suggesting the manager Brendan Rodgers could have as much as £30m to spend this summer, the windfall from Frimpong’s sale would add even more funds to the transfer kitty.

Of course, it remains to be seen how much Celtic will actually invest in new signings, but they do appear to have significant resources that would allow them, not only to maintain their status as the best team in Scotland, but also to make their mark in Europe.