La Liga outfit Celta Vigo are leading the race to land highly-regarded German defender Okan Erdogan.

That's according to Mundo Deportivo, citing Turkish sources, who point towards Erdogan as being a man in demand in Spain ahead of the summer.

The player, for his part, is a 25-year-old central-defender, who is currently plying his trade in Turkey, with Istanbulspor.

Istanbulspor's recent relegation to the 2nd tier, however, has opened the door to an impending exit for Erdogan, with a number of La Liga clubs, it would appear, ready to pounce.

As per the aforementioned MD, amongst six Spanish sides keen on the signature of the stopper are Alaves, Rayo Vallecano, and Las Palmas.

It is Celta Vigo, however, who are viewed as the current front-runners to strike a deal.

Erdogan is for his part understood to be keen on the prospect of plying his trade at Balaidos, with the Celta brass ready to do their part in ensuring that as much comes to fruition.

A deal will not be easy to come by, but those behind the scenes in Galicia are confident that, when all is said and done, Erdogan will be plying his trade in the colours of the Celestes starting next season.

Conor Laird | GSFN