Ivan Kmotrik has contradicted Neil Lennon’s claim that Celtic don’t have any interest in Andraz Sporar.
On Saturday the Daily Mail linked the hoops with a January move for the Slovan Bratislava striker but that was dismissed by Lennon the following day after Celtic beat Hibs 2-0.
Bringing in a striker seems to be Celtic’s priority in the January transfer window with Sporar in impressive scoring form this season including five goals in the Europa League despite Slovan finishing behind Wolves and Sporting Braga.
The 25-year-old seemed to fit the profile of Celtic transfer targets with Sport 24 discussing Celtic’s interest with Slovan chief Kmotrik:
The management of the “whites” immediately after the final autumn match received several offers for Šporara. The media have already said about the interest of the Celtic Glasgow in Scotland. “It is true that Celtic has sent us a specific offer and has shown an enormous interest in Andraz Sporar. However, we are only negotiating with Celtic. we expect it to be even more pronounced during the transition period,” said Ivan Kmotrík ml.
The transfer amount, which is supposed to amount to 5.5 million euros, has also been resonated by the media. According to Godfather ml. this amount is not acceptable for Slavs. “I think his price is much higher. I can’t imagine selling Andraz for less than € 7-8 million,” he said.
“If we accepted one of the offers in the summer, it would certainly be the biggest transfer from Slovakia in history. Now foreign clubs are addressing us even more lucrative offers. We will only transfer to the transfer if there is an offer that corresponds to the current value of Andraz Sporar. His value has risen even more in recent months, scoring 20 goals in all contests and scoring 6 assists in this season, not only with goals but also with the ability to hold the ball in front and win personal fights. and by five precise interventions, he has proven that he is the player who meets European parameters.
Nicky Hammond was recently appointed as Celtic’s Head of Football Operations but the exact hierarchy for transfers remains unclear. After signing in July Boli Bolingoli admitted that he had still to speak to Lennon.
After being asked about Celtic’s interest in Marian Shved Brendan Rodgers said the club had “about a million wingers and don’t need another one” and was “not one that will help us now”.
Within a week Shved had signed from Karpaty Lviv for a fee reported at £1.75m.