Celtic are stepping up their interest in 20-goal forward.
Celtic are set for a transfer showdown with Belgian side Genk in the race to land one of Europe’s hottest young strikers this summer.
According to reports, the Scottish champions have ‘accelerated’ their interest in free-scoring FC Aarau hitman Elias Filet, with discussions taking place over a transfer for the French-Martinican on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old is in serious demand this summer after a remarkable season in the Swiss Challenge League saw him bag 20 goals and assist a further five in his first full season at Stadion Brugglifeld, as they ended the season in the promotion playoffs, where they lost out to Grasshopper Club Zurich.
Kelechi Iheanacho is out of contract at Celtic this summer.placeholder image
Kelechi Iheanacho is out of contract at Celtic this summer. | Getty Images
The Scottish champions have endured a season of turmoil, battling to defend their title under three different managers. Starting with Brendan Rodgers, the head coach was replaced by Wilfried Nancy following his resignation in December, but he lasted just 33 days in the role after losing five of his seven games in charge. In between, 74-year-old Martin O’Neill has taken the reins.
Despite claiming a domestic double by winning the Scottish Premiership title and Scottish Cup, Celtic endured a season of turmoil as they fought to defend their title under three different managers. Beginning the campaign with Brendan Rodgers, the head coach was replaced by Wilfried Nancy following his resignation in December, but he lasted just 33 days in the role after losing five of his seven games in charge. In between, 74-year-old O’Neill has taken the reins.
After the defence of their Scottish Premiership crown was forced to go until the final, reports claim the Hoops’ hierarchy are eager to wrestle back their domestic dominance and have drawn up a list of summer targets, with O’Neill expected to pen a one-year extension to remain at the club imminently.
While Celtic hold the option to extend Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract by 12 months, it is believed they are in the market for new additions at the top end of the pitch, with loanees Junior Adamu and Tomas Cvancara returning to their parent club, while Daizen Maeda is also entering the final year of his deal at Parkhead.
Compared to Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland by French football magazine So Foot, due to his raw physicality, dominant aerial presence and finishing ability, it is claimed by transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri that Celtic held a video conference in order to strike up an agreement with the player as they look to strike up a transfer agreement with his club side FC Aarau.
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However, O’Neill’s men will face ‘significant’ competition for his signature, with Belgian Pro League side Genk having already made a formal offer for the player, while Ligue 1 outfit Lorient have made their interest known as both clubs aim to lure away Filet, who has just one year left to run on his current deal.