Celtic striker Johnny Kenny is reportedly the subject of plenty of interest this summer. The Bhoys currently have a surplus of strikers, at least on paper, and it's arguably the only position where they are particularly well-stocked.
The Hoops still need to add to a number of positions this summer, with a new goalkeeper, left-back and likely two midfielders still needed, and the window shuts in less than two weeks.
But there are other positions where they could shed a player or two, and one of those positions is up top. Martin O'Neill has Kasper Hogh as his starting number nine, while Camilo Duran is also a striker, although he has been playing out wide due to the presence of Hogh.
O'Neill also has highly-rated youngster Callum Osmand for relief and competition. Three is the ideal number, and most would argue that four is too many. Johnny Kenny is currently the fourth striker, returning to the club in the summer after a very respectable loan spell with Bolton Wanderers last season.
The Irishman joined Bolton for the second half of last season and scored six in 14 league games to help fire them to the playoffs, and while he missed the playoffs through a significant injury, Bolton went on to win promotion.
Kenny is now back fit, and Bolton have expressed an interest in re-signing him, but it seems they are not the only ones. It's worth noting that Kenny signed a new long-term deal this summer.
Fresh Kenny claim made
Speaking on the Scottish SunSport's YouTube about Celtic's remaining business this summer, journalist David Friel said: "I think they’ll definitely bring a goalkeeper, left back and central midfielder and I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s one more in a certain area but I think there’ll be a couple go as well.
“I think the Hatate will eventually go as well. Johnny Kenny, there’s a lot of interest, again he was on the bench last night. I think he would go so it would be another three out but I think there’s scope for I think a minimum four signings.”
Celtic may have a decision to make
While there seems to be plenty of interest in Kenny, and Bolton boss Steven Schumacher has made it clear he would like the striker back this summer, Celtic assistant boss Shaun Maloney said recently: “At the moment, yeah, I think he spoke to Martin and he’s staying.
"He’s part of the squad. I think there was something online about the squad number, that was incorrect. So, yeah, Johnny’s part of the squad. I’d say he’s just about fit now. He hasn’t been fit during pre-season. He’s one of ours and he’s fighting to get minutes on the pitch.”
While Celtic may want to keep Kenny, they may have to make a decision if they can't offer him regular game time and he wants to go elsewhere to play. Kenny is now 23 years of age, and it's likely he wants to play a key role in a team, and it looks as though three players are ahead of him at Parkhead.
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