Utrecht attacker Gyrano Kerk was expected to move on this summer, but the international window slammed shut without him leaving.
Kerk was outstanding last season; he bagged 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, causing mayhem whether deployed up front or on the right flank.
Already this term, Kerk has two goals in three league games. The 24-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down; just as well for a player whose blistering pace terrifies defenders.
Kerk looked set for Leeds United in September as the Whites opened talks over an £8million deal, according to the Daily Mail, but they signed Brazilian ace Raphinha from Rennes instead.
That meant the window ended without Kerk landing his big move away from Utrecht, and Celtic are surely paying close attention.
The Bhoys made a ‘concrete bid’ for Kerk in January according to Utrecht owner Frans van Seumeren, whilst boss John van den Brom suggested in May that Celtic were the main suitors for Kerk.
Leeds came to the fore, but then chose Raphinha, meaning Celtic can still sign Kerk if they want to sign him in the upcoming January window.
Celtic aren’t big spenders, so that £8million fee could be an issue, unless Odsonne Edouard ends up being sold to one of his many suitors when the window re-opens.
The main thing is that Kerk isn’t off the market; had he gone to Leeds, Celtic’s only real chance of landing him would be if he struggled to make an impact in the Premier League and needed to bounce back, much like Albian Ajeti or Mohamed Elyounoussi.
As things stand, Celtic can still hand Kerk in January – and he will surely be a player the Bhoys keep close tabs on having missed out on his move to Leeds.
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