Marcelo Saracchi’s agent, Marcelo Tejera, has told Celts Are Here that talks have taken place with Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson over a possible return to Glasgow.

The left-back spent last season on loan at Celtic from Boca Juniors and has been linked again with a move back to the Scottish champions.

However, while contact has now been made, Saracchi’s camp have made their position clear. Another loan move is not something the player is looking for.

Speaking to Celts Are Here, Marcelo Tejera confirmed he has spoken with Nicholson in recent days and said Celtic have all the numbers required to do a deal.

However, there has been frustration over the pace of communication at different stages of the process.

At times, responses are understood to have taken as long as two weeks, despite Celtic now having the financial details required to make a decision.

The issue, as things stand, is the structure.

Celtic are understood to have asked about a one-year loan, but Saracchi wants a permanent move and is looking for a three-year contract.

That is a key sticking point.

Saracchi’s current contract with Boca Juniors runs until December 2027, meaning he has around 18 months left on his deal. Boca are open to moving the player on this summer, with a fee in the region of £2m understood to be enough to get a deal done.

There is a belief from the player’s side that the final figure could even come in lower than that, depending on how negotiations develop.

The wages are not believed to be an issue. Celts Are Here understands that salary figures have been discussed and are viewed as reasonable, with no suggestion that Saracchi is asking for unrealistic money.

That leaves the structure and transfer fee as the main questions. With a figure in the region of £2m understood to be enough to do a deal, there is some confusion over why Celtic would prefer another loan, especially given the club have paid significantly higher fees for players in recent windows.

But Celtic’s preference for a loan has complicated matters.

From the player’s side, the message is simple. A temporary return is not part of the plan. Saracchi wants stability, and after already spending time in Glasgow, he is now looking for a permanent move rather than another short-term arrangement.

There is also interest from elsewhere in Europe, with another club understood to have an offer on the table.

As things stand, Saracchi may well end up moving elsewhere unless Celtic change their approach.

The frustration from the player’s camp appears to be around timing. With Celtic now aware of the full financial picture, there is a feeling that the club have the information needed to move, yet the process has still dragged on.

Saracchi made 27 appearances for Celtic last season and played his part in a double-winning campaign. His energy, aggression and willingness to get forward made him a useful option during his loan spell.

But if Celtic are serious about bringing him back, it’s clear what has to happen next.

A loan deal looks unlikely to satisfy the player. A permanent transfer, on sensible terms, is the route that could keep the door open.