Celtic are said to be expressing an interest in a LaLiga striker as they look to bolster their options up top this summer. The Bhoys are in desperate need of frontman ahead of the new season, and it will take up a significant chunk of what will likely be a busy summer of recruitment.
Martin O'Neill is likely to be busy this summer as he looks to oversee a more dominant Celtic campaign. The Bhoys need to strengthen while coping with potential exits including Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda.
Celtic's striker problem
Celtic have only one striker on their books for next season as things stand, and that is youngster Callum Osmand. Junio Adamu and Tomas Cvancara have returned to their parent clubs, while Kelechi Iheanacho is an option, with Celtic having an option to extend his deal, but as things stand, his deal will expire.
Whether Iheanacho is kept or not, Celtic need another striker or two to make sure they have enough cover up top last season. The Bhoys didn't have enough goal contribution from their striker's department last season, and O'Neill will want to fix that this summer.
Rodriguez could be a fix
Elche striker Álvaro Rodriguez is now being linked with a move to Parkhead after an impressive season in LaLiga. The Real Madrid academy product scored seven and assisted five for an Elche side that struggled last season but ultimately managed to stay in the top flight.
Elche actually started brilliantly and maintained their solid start for around half of the season, but their second half of the season was disastrous, leaving them just a point above the drop when all was said and done. Mallorca ended up being relegated on an extremely unfortunate 42 points.
Rodriguez was key to Elche's efforts, and still only 21 years of age, there are big hopes for his future.
TuttoMercatoWeb journalist Pietro Celeste has reported that Celtic, AFC Bournemouth, Ajax, Feyenoord and Bologna are all interested. In a world where all of those clubs make an approach, Bournemouth likely have the advantage after a superb Premier League season and a recent history of signing and playing young talents.
But it remains to be seen who will make a serious approach, and Celtic certainly have an opportunity if they can promise regular starts and sell Rodriguez on Champions League football.
The asking price is unclear, but there are suggestions Elche will push for at least €20m, knowing that Real Madrid still hold 50% of his rights. All LaLiga players must have a release clause, and Rodriguez's is set at €22million, meaning the asking price is a touch below but very close to that clause.
That would be a huge fee for Celtic to pay, but they are expecting big money from Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda this summer, potentially alllowing for a statement signing or two.
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