Ange Postecoglou is determined to sign Iran international Mehdi Ghayedi this month with Varzesh3 reporting that Scottish Premiership giants Celtic have approached Shabab Al Ahli for a third time.
With four years remaining on the long-term contract he signed back in August, convincing the Dubai-based giants to sell their prized asset between now and February 1 will be no easy task.
Celtic, however, are not taking ‘no’ for an answer.
Reports coming out of the Middle East claim that Postecoglou, who has been backed heavily by the Celtic bosses since taking over from Neil Lennon at Parkhead, is ‘insisting’ upon Ghayedi’s arrival.
And though Shabab Al Ahli are determined to hang onto the diminutive playmaker until the summer, Celtic have written to the seven-time UAE Pro League champions for a third time as they look to fast-track Ghayedi’s move to Europe.
Will Celtic bring in Iran star Mehdi Ghayedi?
A versatile attacking midfielder equally comfortable on the right or the left, Ghayedi feels like a typical Postecoglou signing.
He is explosive, unpredictable and brimming with talent, at his most effective when squaring up against opposition defenders and leaving them choking on his dust.
Of all the players currently at Postecoglou’s disposal, Ghayedi perhaps resembles the mercurial, magical Felipe Jota more than anyone else.
In 40 games, Ghayedi produced nine goals and nine assists for Iran-based outfit Esteghlal last season. In the campaign prior, he hit the back of the net on 15 occasions.
Celtic have already signed four new players this month, Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi, Daizen Maeda and Johnny Kenny. But Postecoglou is not done yet.
The Hoops boss is prioritising a new attacking midfielder. One capable of easing the creative burden on the overworked Tom Rogic and David Turnbull.
Celtic look set to miss out on Riley McGree after Middlesbrough submitted a £3.5 million for the Australia international. But, according to The Sun, Postecoglou has a number of alternative targets in his sights.
One of those appears to be Ghayedi.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
