Brendan Rodgers is in dire need of a new striker before the end of the transfer window with a Kyogo Furuhashi shaped hole in his squad.
The clock is ticking on the winter window and after the Parkhead talisman sealed a £10m switch to Stade Rennes the Premiership leaders now face the prospect of a last-gasp recruitment drive before the end of play on February 3. As it stands, Adam Idah is the only recognised first-team striker with regular minutes leading the line for the Hoops – with Johnny Kenny making just one appearance since returning from his successful loan spell at Shamrock Rovers.
Daniel Cummings was given the nod to replace Ireland international Idah in the Champions League clash with Aston Villa as the 18-year-old made his first top team appearance. However, he is inching towards the exit door as Record Sport understands a pre-contract agreement with West Ham has been struck as he nears the end of his Celtic contract.
With all that said, Celtic need a striker before all is said and done in the market. So what is the latest? Record Sport takes a look at the frontmen who have been linked this month – and where they stand now.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Sevilla misfit Kelechi Iheanacho has been told he is free to choose his next club after just six months at the club. Boss Garcia Pimienta said: “Kelechi Iheanacho has a lot of offers and absolute freedom to decide where he wants to go. He will be called up in any case.”
Celtic have reportedly been in discussions with the La Liga club about a reunion with Brendan Rodgers on loan with an option to buy in the summer. Sky Sports report that Middlesbrough are “leading the race” for the Nigeria international at this stage.
Mathias Kvistgaarden
The 22-year-old appeared to be the leading candidate for the Hoops – but Brondby have stood firm in their £13.5million valuation. Reports suggest talks have “broken down” between the two clubs due to a “gap in valuation”. However, a move could be revisited at the summer with the Danish U21 international being pursued throughout the previous two windows.
Evan Ferguson
It looks like a long shot – but reports south of the border suggest that Celtic are plotting an ambitious loan offer to take the 20-year-old to the Scottish Premiership on loan. However, West Ham appear to be in pole position for a deal this summer with Premier League sides Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton all in the mix for a deal.
David Strelec
Record Sport revealed the £8 million-rated forward is on the Premiership champions’ radar. And Celtic know the exact price they mist pay for the Slovan Bratislava star after Middlesbrough were told by Bratislava chief Robert Vittek they want top money for the free-scoring striker who has bagged himself 15 goals in all competitions this season.
Vittek – speaking to STVR – said: “Middlesbrough sent an official offer. We reflected that it is small. We haven’t exactly defined the number, but I can say for us that the amount must be in the range of 8-10 million euros. David is at a great age, he is in the national team, he confirmed his high form during the fall, and we also want to benefit from that. The current situation is that unless it is an amount that we will accept, we will not let him go.”
Tammy Abraham
England international Abraham joined Milan last summer in an exchange of loans with Alexis Saelemaekers going to Roma last summer. But he has struggled to impress for the the Rossoneri – netting just twice so far this season – and speculation has ramped up Italy that he could be sent back to the Eternal City before February 3.
Celtic hero Andy Walker had suggested he makes a move to Celtic Park to bolster their Champions League cause. With reports in Italy suggesting that Alvaro Morata could leave before the deadline it’s unlikely Milan would allow their two recognised strikers to move – despite Abraham’s lacklustre form.
Jamie Vardy
If Brendan Rodgers is considering a reunion with Kelechi Iheanacho, why not really go all out with his Leicester City contacts and bring back Jamie Vardy? Craig Moore floated the prospect – but it would take a major wage packet and a brilliant sales pitch to convinced the Foxes to part with their captain.
Tammer Bany
Celtic are reportedly among the clubs eyeing Randers FC forward Tammer Bany. But they are far from alone. FC Nantes, OH Leuven. Al Ahli from Egypt and Rakow Czestochowa are all said to be chasing a deal. USG saw a bid of £1.1m knocked back in January.
At that time sporting director Soren Pedersen left the door open to a potential departure. He said: “The plan is that Rasmus (Bertelsen, manager) will also have him available when we start up again.
“But it is clear that he is one of those who has been very active around, and there are still clubs that are interested. So, I would not say that I am 100 percent sure that he will be here when the window closes. The ambition is that he will stay.”
Odsonne Edouard
With Jota and Kieran Tierney agreeing returns to Celtic Park, Odsonne Edouard‘s name has been thrown into the mix by punters online. The Frenchman – who is currently on loan at Leicester City from Crystal Palace – has reportedly turned down the chance to join Atlanta United in a £15m deal.
That has sparked suggestions that Hoops’ boss Rodgers could turn to a player he signed for Celtic in 2017 as he searches for Kyogo’s successor. However, FIFA rules would not allow the 27-year-old to play for another side in Europe this season as players can only feature for two clubs across a season.
Mohamaed Bayo
Lille striker Mohamed Bayo has also been touted as a potential Kyogo successor – and reports in France state the player has held “talks” with the Ligue 1 side to push for an exit. While Celtic were named as an interest party, the frontman looks set to choose between Ipswich Town and Royal Antwerp as his next destination.