Celtic are said to be stepping up their efforts to sign a new striker this summer, with Martin O'Neill looking to hit the ground running. The Bhoys still haven't announced O'Neill as their new permanent boss, but the double-winning interim boss will be confirmed at some point in the near future.
When he does arrive, O'Neill is going to want significant recruitment following what was a sub-par Celtic season, even with the two titles.
Striker targeted
One area Celtic know they need to improve is up top, although there is still uncertainty over Kelechi Iheanacho, whose contract expires at the end of this season. The Bhoys have an option to extend the deal by another year, but discussions will need to take place between O'Neill and the striker.
Beyond Iheanacho and youngster Callum Osmand, Celtic don't have any striker options, given Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu will be headed back to their respective parent clubs in Germany.
So, a striker signing or two is vital this summer, and according to Journalist Sacha Tavolieri, writing for Sky Sport CH, the Bhoys are now stepping up their efforts to land FC Aarau’s Elias Filet.
Filet scored 22 goals and managed six assists in 40 games during the season just gone, playing in the Swiss second division.
The 24-year-old Frenchman is attracting attention from a number of clubs, including home country club Lorient. Genk are also said to have made an offer for the forward. But according to the report, Celtic held a video conference call with the player's agent on Tuesday in a bid to get closer to a deal.
It's reported Celtic wanted to strike a deal with the player and his representative before entering serious negotiations with his club. Genk are said to be leading the race due to their formal offer to Aarau, but Celtic could change that with concrete steps of their own.
The Bhoys can offer European football this season, or at least in the form of qualifiers, while the other two interested clubs cannot. It almost goes without saying that getting O'Neill in place and signed up would help the club's cause, and the Northern irishman may even be able to play a part in convincing the striker to make the move to Parkhead.
Celtic need goalscorers, and while it's unclear whether Filet's scoring will translate from the Swiss second division to the Scottish Premiership, there is clearly potential there, and he is still only 24 years of age, which suggests there is more to come.
Add us as a preferred source on Google