Celtic were reported to be eyeing Sardar Azmoun if Moussa Dembele leaves.
Azmoun is an Iran international who has been compared in his homeland to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, such is his profile, and he is being lined up for a big money move away from Russian side Rubin Kazan.
Celtic would only be able to move if Dembele leaves and they receive a sizeable transfer fee, but their window of opportunity to sign the Iranian may be closing.
Sardar Azmoun
The two sides are apart in their valuations at present – although it is reported a compromise of 18 million Euros (£15m) could be reached.
Brendan Rodgers has tracked Azmoun since his time at Liverpool, with the Scottish Sun reporting he remains keen on the striker.
Celtic last night denied reports they were negotiating with Marseille over the sale of Moussa Dembele, BBC Sport reported.
Celtic’s Moussa Dembele
Even if they did decide to cash in, they would not look to do so until after their Champions League qualifiers have been played.
In the eventuality they did sell, it would be prudent of Celtic to have several transfer targets identified, especially as they would not have much time to waste at the end of the transfer window.
It looks unlikely at this stage the way Lazio negotiations are progressing that Azmoun will still be available.
Without the capital to compete with the Italian side right now, they are powerless to battle for his signature.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
