Bookies: Celtic 8/1 outsiders to sign Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe

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Celtic have been listed amongst the contenders to sign Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe before Thursday’s deadline.

Bookmaker Sky Bet believe that Celtic have an outside chance of being able to bring Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe to Parkhead this summer, having listed the Scottish Premiership champions at 8/1 in the market.

Afobe joined the Cherries in January 2016 for a fee of around £10 million, according to BBC Sport, but has generally struggled to live up to the eight-figure fee, scoring just 10 Premier League goals in the 48 games he has played for Eddie Howe’s men.

The Sun recently reported that the 24-year-old could be available this summer, and that West Brom could be about to make a £12 million bid for him as Tony Pulis looks to bolster his striker options before the deadline.

However, Sky Bet view Afobe’s situation completely differently – with West Brom nowhere to be seen in the market, while Swansea – also recently linked with a bid, this time by the Daily Mail – have been listed as the 13/2 favourites for his signature.

Just behind the Swans are Afobe’s old side, Wolves at 7/1. The Championship side have shown few qualms about spending big money this summer, so paying to sign a Premier League striker will surely not deter them if they decide to make a move to bring him back to Molineux.

But interestingly, Sky Bet believe that Celtic are not entirely out of the picture. Brendan Rodgers’ men are only just behind Wolves at 8/1.

Celtic have had to cope with speculation regarding Moussa Dembele’s future for much of the summer – and perhaps the bookmaker believes that there could be a late twist in the tale that means that Rodgers is looking for a new striker and will have a significant amount of money to spend.

Given West Brom have been linked with a £12 million bid, it certainly seems a long-shot to suggest that the Bhoys could be in the running, but Sky Bet appear to have an theory that it may not be out of the question to suggest that a move may be possible in the final days of the window.