Celtic hopes of winning the race to sign Polish centre-forward Patryk Klimala have suffered a major blow as Genoa close in on a deal, Football Insider can reveal.
The 21-year-old has emerged as a strong target for the Scottish champions this month as Neil Lennon looks to reinforce his attack.
A Celtic source has told Football Insider that the club are lagging behind Genoa in the hunt for Klimala and they fear he will now head to Italy.
The Serie A outfit have opened talks on a deal with Klimala’s club Jagiellonia Bialystok and are ready to offer the forward a key role in their side.
Genoa may have an advantage in that regard over Celtic, whose undisputed first choice is Odsonne Edouard.
The Poland under-21 international is available for a move this month but has made it clear he wants to join a club where he can be a regular starter.
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Celtic’s pursuit of a new striker comes at a time when they are offloading senior attacking players who Lennon does not regard as integral to securing a ninth consecutive league title.
Scott Sinclair joined Preston North End permanently on Wednesday evening and the Hoops have agreed a fee with Inter Miami for Lewis Morgan.
It is expected the former St Mirren man will complete a permanent move to the United States in the coming days.
In other Celtic news, it can be REVEALED that a forward has agreed to join the club after finalising the terms of a three-year contract.
