Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are in ‘constant contact’ with Zalaegerszeg’s American striker Eduvie Ikoba but Ange Postecoglou’s side face competition from Bundesliga outftit Stuttgart.
Goals may not be in short supply at Parkhead, but genuine options for the centre-forward position arguably are.
Yes, Celtic have a 31-goal striker in Kyogo Furuhashi and a more-than-useful back-up in Oh-Hyeon Gyu. But, with Giorgios Giakoumakis gone and Albian Ajeti going, Postecoglou could be forgiven if he hopes to beef up his frontline ahead of another season of balancing European and domestic exploits.
Will Celtic win race to sign Eduvie Ikoba?
And this is where Eduvie Ikoba comes in.
Hungarian publication Nemzeti Sport recently suggested that the Iowa-born 25-year-old was on Celtic’s radar, and German website Fussball Europa is now backing up those claims.
The Premiership champions are reportedly in ‘constant contact’ with Ikoba. A physical, mobile, 6ft 4ins attacker; Ikoba has 13 goals this season for Zalaegerszeg but is making no secret of his interest in a fresh start and a change of scenery.
“(My future) is still uncertain,” the former AS Trencin striker tells Yanks Abroad.
“From this summer, my contract runs for another two years. My team is in the European Conference League qualifiers, which is a really big opportunity for the club.
“If I were to get a contract from somewhere that would allow me to take another step in my career, I would consider the opportunity. But it is not beneficial for a professional athlete to think so far ahead.
“I am only focusing on the next match, because we want to finish the season well. And then, in the summer, I will speak to the club and my agent.”
Fussball Europa add that Stuttgart are one of a number of Bundesliga sides showing an interest. Clubs in Serie A, MLS and France are also keen. Celtic, however, are likely to be the only suitor offering Champions League football, qualification secured after the Glasgow giants won their second successive Premiership title under Postecoglou earlier in the month.
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