A player with whom Celtic were in talks is set to join Stoke City, according to The Sentinel.
The Celtic manager Neil Lennon had confirmed discussions with Steven Fletcher, a Bhoys supporter, after his departure from Sheffield Wednesday.
But even though another striker, Vakoun Issouf Bayo, left Parkhead earlier this week, it was Albian Ajeti, and not Fletcher, who arrived in his place from West Ham United.
And The Sentinel reports that Stoke have now ‘won the race’ for Fletcher’s signature, tying up a deal that could be announced later today (Friday).
The 33-year-old Scotland international scored 13 goals for Wednesday in a somewhat injury hit 2019/20 campaign.
But despite expressing an intention to remain at Hillsborough, Fletcher left at the end of his contract on 30 June.
Fletcher has never been shy about his desire to play for Celtic.
But it would appear that his chances of doing so now are slim, given his advancing years, despite reports that he recently bought a house in the Glasgow area.
Celtic have also held talks with the former Charlton Athletic striker Lyle Taylor, although it remains to be seen if a deal will go ahead.
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