Johansen played for Celtic for two years between 2014 and 2016, and Leeds are reportedly keen on the Fulham star.
Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen before the end of the January transfer window – but Celtic should beat the Championship side and lure the Norwegian back to Parkhead.
The Birmingham Mail claims Leeds are interested in three Fulham players, in Floyd Ayite, Neeskens Kebano and Johansen. But the Whites face competition from Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough.
Johansen, 28, is the pick of the three players. He was absolutely crucial during Fulham’s promotion to the Premier League last season, scoring eight goals and creating nine. He played 48 of Fulham’s 49 league games – including play-offs.
Now, Leeds are said to be keen on bringing the 46-time Norway international to Elland Road in a bid to boost their promotion hunt, but Celtic simply cannot let that happen.
The Hoops could do with additions in the middle of the park. Doubts remain over the future of captain Scott Brown, while Olivier Ntcham has been linked with a £14million move to FC Porto (Scottish Sun).
Johansen played for Celtic for two years before joining Fulham in the summer of 2016, after joining the Hoops in January 2014. In that time, he clocked up 114 appearances, scored 19 goals and created 22 more.
He helped Celtic pick up three Scottish Premiership titles, as well as a League Cup title and the SFA Player of the Year award for 2014-15. Now, he is out of contract at Fulham.
Indeed, Johansen’s contract expires at the end of the season and since Claudio Ranieri has been installed as the new Fulham manager, Johansen has been left out of the side.
It looks as though the midfielder is set to leave, and Celtic have to rival Leeds to bring him back to Celtic Park with doubts surrounding their current midfielders’ futures.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
