Celtic are reportedly keen on Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford.
Patrick Bamford
According to the Daily Mail, Celtic have asked Chelsea about a loan deal for striker Patrick Bamford – but Aston Villa are also keen on signing him.
The Bhoys have already added one striker to their ranks this summer in Moussa Dembele, but given that Stefan Scepovic, Carlton Cole and Colin Kazim-Richards have all left the club, adding one more striker could be a priority for manager Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers does have Nadir Ciftci and last season’s top goalscorer Leigh Griffiths at his disposal too, but having recently played two strikers in a 3-5-2 system, bring in a fourth striker may be a smart move.
Now, the Daily Mail report that Rodgers is looking for a favour from one of his former clubs, as he’s asked Chelsea about a loan deal for striker Patrick Bamford.
Bamford, 22, has long been tipped for a bright future having signed for Chelsea from Nottingham Forest in 2012, but after two failed loan spells in the Premier League with Crystal Palace and Norwich City, he needs a period of first-team football this coming season.
The England Under-21 international has proven his quality before, hitting 19 goals for Middlesbrough during the 2014-15 season, and 25 goals the season before that between loan spells with MK Dons and Derby County.
A move to Celtic may now be on the cards after Rodgers’ enquiry, but a host of Championship sides are also believed to be keen on Bamford, offering him the chance to stay in England.
The report claims that Fulham, Wolves, QPR and Aston Villa are also looking to sign Bamford on loan, meaning Rodgers may face stern competition for the striker’s signature – and he’ll be going up against other managers with links to Chelsea.
Whilst Rodgers was a coach with the Blues, Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic, QPR’s Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Aston Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo all played for Chelsea, and will also be looking for a favour from their former club as they pursue Bamford’s signature.
Would you like to see Celtic sign Bamford?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
