Video evidence: Anas Sharbini (Celtic)

According to the latest reports, Celtic have been linked with a move for 21-year-old Croatian Anas Sharbini, who has been dubbed the “next Zvonimir Boban or Robert Prosinecki.”

Playing at NK Rijeka, it took a little time before Sharbini had his feet under the table, with the midfielder registering just 17 appearances in his first two seasons at the club. But the 2007-2008 season marked his coming of age, ratcheting up 28 matches and 11 goals that culminated with a first call-up for the national squad for Euro 2008.

Despite failing to get on the pitch during Austria-Switzerland, Sharbini returned back to NK Rijeka at the start of this season, and picked up were he left off at the end of the previous year. In the 3-1 win over Hadjuk Split at the start of the new campaign Sharbini scored a trademark goal, bursting through the midfield and finishing powerfully. (Watch here.)

A few weeks later, Sharbini was again on the scoresheet; this time scoring what will probably end up as being one of the goals of the season in the Croatian league in the 3-1 win against Slaven Belupo. (Watch here.)

Sharbini is a highly technical, creative, two-footed playmaker, who prefers to play as an attacking midfielder where he is able to influence events in the final third of the pitch.

Rumoured to be avilable for a fairly reasonable €2.5m, and with his contract set to expire in 2009-2010, Regardless of whether Cetlic buy Sharbini or not, there will likely be a flock of clubs circling around this young talent looking to acquire his services.

Video evidence of Anas Sharbini can be seen here.