Celtic join PL contingent in race for 26-goal hitman – report
By Matt Farr
Celtic are looking to beef-up their strike force by adding Chelsea attacker Tammy Abraham to their ranks this summer, according to a report.
The Scottish Sun claim that the domestic treble winners have joined three Premier League sides in the hunt for the signature of the 19-year-old goalscorer, and have asked to be “kept abreast of any developments.”
Abraham was in stunning form during a loan spell at Bristol City last season, where he scored 26 goals 48 appearances in all competitions, and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to see him at Parkhead next term.
Rodgers, and his head of recruitment Lee Congerton, know the youngster well from their time as members of the backroom staff at Chelsea, and hope their previous links to Stamford Bridge can work in their favour.
The Premier League giants are prepared to let Abraham leave on loan again this summer so that he can continue his development in a first-team environment, with such opportunities likely to be few and far between at Chelsea.
However, Celtic will face stiff competition from the likes of Swansea, Newcastle United and Brighton, who are also understood to be keen on a season-long loan deal.
Abraham will delay any decision on his future until after his duties at the Euro Under-21 Championships with England are completed this summer, although reports suggest that he has already picked his next destination.
The Mirror claimed on Tuesday evening that Abraham had agreed to join Swansea, where he will link up with another former Chelsea senior man in Paul Clement.
But with no official confirmation that an agreement has been reached, Celtic’s late entry into the race could still see them hijack a deal.
Football Insider verdict
Each of the potential reported destinations have their benefits to both Abraham and Chelsea, but Celtic could be a fantastic place for the young striker to develop. Rodgers has a fine record when it comes to nurturing young players and opportunities will be available for him next season, including in the Champions League. He is a brilliant young talent, and one that can be a real asset to Rodgers over the next 12 months. The only disadvantage, however, will be that Chelsea will prefer to see him test his abilities in the Premier League, which of course Celtic cannot offer.
In other Celtic transfer news, Football Insider debates why the club must join the race to sign this 20-year-old winger.
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