Celtic Firm up Interest in Scotland International Striker
Celtic are reportedly ready to go 'all out' in a bid to land Scotland striker Kieron Bowie from Hellas Verona, though the Scottish champions face stiff competition from Serie A rivals. Bologna are currently said to be in 'pole position' for the 23-year-old's signature, according to Corriere di Verona (via Daily Record).
'Celtic are preparing to go "all out" to compete with Bologna - who are said to be in "pole position" in the race to sign Scotland Kieron Bowie from Hellas Verona.' — Corriere di Verona via Daily Record
The former Raith Rovers youth product has caught the eye since moving to Italy, and Verona are determined to keep hold of their man – slapping a £13m price tag on him amid interest from Cagliari and Sassuolo as well as the Glasgow giants. Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has openly admitted the club are pursuing attacking reinforcements, with Bowie seemingly at the top of the wanted list.
Celtic's Attacking Targets Revealed
O'Neill has also confirmed attempts to re-sign Kelechi Iheanacho (29) and left-back Marcelo Saracchi (28), who spent last season on loan from Boca Juniors. The Nigerian striker is currently a free agent after leaving Leicester City, while Saracchi could provide competition in the full-back area.
Meanwhile, Celtic have tabled a £3.4m bid for 24-year-old Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, who impressed for Egypt at the World Cup. However, reports suggest his release clause now stands at £10m, meaning the Hoops would need to increase their offer significantly to land the wide man.
The Glasgow outfit's transfer activity signals a clear intent ahead of their Champions League campaign and the defence of the Scottish Premiership title.
Across Scotland: What Else Is Happening in the Transfer Market?
Rangers could be handed a boost in their pursuit of Tromsø midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl, after the 20-year-old hinted a move to Ibrox appeals more than joining Besiktas. 'A potential transfer to Rangers is more appealing than Turkey,' the Norwegian told iTromsø (via Daily Record).
Borussia Dortmund are keen on a loan with option to buy for former Rangers loanee Mikey Moore, but Tottenham Hotspur are reluctant to lose the 18-year-old winger on a permanent basis. In the capital, Hearts have rekindled their interest in Forest Green Rovers defender Laurent Mendy after an initial January approach was knocked back.
Elsewhere, Aberdeen are exploring a loan move for Hull City defender Cathal McCarthy, while Hacken and Raków Częstochowa have targeted Dons left-back Mitchel Frame. And Dundee boss Steven Pressley wants to add six more players to his squad, including Bournemouth trialist defender Owen Bevan.
Quick Facts: Kieron Bowie
Age: 23
Club: Hellas Verona
Position: Centre-forward
International caps: 4 (Scotland)
Reported asking price: £13m
This season's goals: 8 in 31 Serie A appearances
Can Celtic Win the Race?
While Bologna appear to lead the chase, Celtic's willingness to push the boat out financially could prove decisive. The lure of Champions League football and a starring role under O'Neill might appeal to Bowie, who would strengthen a forward line already boasting Kyogo Furuhashi and Hyeon-gyu Oh.
Much will depend on whether Verona – relegated from Italy's top flight – can be persuaded to lower their asking price, with Celtic rarely spending such figures on a single player. The simultaneous pursuit of Iheanacho suggests the club are preparing for multiple scenarios.
For now, the saga is firmly in the gossip columns, but the coming weeks will reveal whether Celtic's 'all out' approach pays off.
Key Takeaways
- Celtic are ready to compete with Bologna for Scotland striker Kieron Bowie, but Hellas Verona want £13m.
- Manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed moves to re-sign Kelechi Iheanacho and left-back Marcelo Saracchi.
- A bid of £3.4m has been made for Egypt winger Haissem Hassan, though his release clause is £10m.
- Rangers may be encouraged by Jens Hjerto-Dahl's preference for a move to Glasgow over Turkey.
- Hearts have revisited their interest in Forest Green Rovers' Laurent Mendy after a rejected January offer.
