There is nothing more important in football than putting the ball in the back of the net. So, it is no surprise that clubs have to pay a premium to sign someone who is proving that they are capable of doing that. One player who has caught the eye in Scotland this season is Kieron Bowie of Hibernian. Celtic are just one of the teams to be linked with the 23-year-old, who is drawing interest from all around Europe.
Celtic have already signed one striker this winter in the form of Tomas Cvancara, who has been brought in on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach with a £7 million option to buy included in the deal. But it is widely expected that the Hoops will try to recruit another one before the window closes.
Bowie could very well have been one of those Celtic had on their radar. But after learning how much Hibernian would want for his services, it is hard to imagine that the Hoops will make their move.
As reported by the Daily Record, Hibernian have rejected a potential £5million-plus bid from Hellas Verona for Bowie. Hibs value their striker far higher than the first bid and it remains to be seen if the Italian club or anyone else can match that valuation.
Kieron Bowie bid rejected as Celtic learn how much Hibernian want
It might spell the end of Celtic's interest in Bowie as well. One simply cannot see them spending that much on a striker who has not even scored that often.
Bowie has 8 goals in 22 games in the league this season, which is solid but not a phenomenal return by any means. Also, he is 23 years of age, not a rising talent scoring for fun at the senior level straight out of the academy.
So, all things considered, do not expect Celtic to go out and try to sign Bowie in what would be a record deal between two Scottish teams. Incidentally, that remains Scott Brown's £4.4 million move to Parkhead back in 2007. It is far more likely that Hoops will try to bring in another striker from an outside league, ideally on loan with an option to buy.