Celtic are in talks with Charle Wyke and are now confident that a deal can be done to make the Sunderland striker the first signing of the Ange Postecoglou era, as reported by the Northern Echo.
After becoming the first player since the legendary Kevin Phillips over 20 years ago to break the 30-goal barrier in red and white, manager Lee Johnson would have always known that keeping Wyke would be easier said than done.
Especially as Sunderland, having lost to Lincoln City in the play-off semi-finals, are destined for a fourth-straight season in England’s third-tier.
Celtic, in contrast, are offering Wyke the chance to lead the line for one of the biggest clubs in Britain.
While Sunderland are once again preparing for Tuesday night trips to Wimbledon and Wycombe, Wyke could be playing European football for a club boasting a trophy cabinet bigger than the Angel of the North.
Is Charlie Wyke the first signing of the Ange Postecoglou era at Celtic?
Wyke will become a free agent on July 1.
According to the Northern Echo, Sunderland are willing to match the wages on offer at Celtic.
As it stands, however, all the signs suggest that the one-time Middlesbrough youngster will be bringing an end to his two-year spell on Wearside.
Championship trio Nottingham Forest, Millwall and Cardiff City have also held talks, while Celtic see Wyke as an affordable addition to a frontline which will be hit hard by the impending departure of Odsonne Edouard.
Standing at 6ft 2ins, Wyke is a classic, penalty-box poacher; a striker most effective when hurtling through the air to power home a set-piece.
He scored just 11 times in his first two seasons at Sunderland before mustering a career-best tally of 30 in 2020/21.
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