Ahmed Kendouci is the latest midfielder linked with a move to Celtic.
With the prospect of signing Riley McGree in the balance the club is looking elsewhere with Algeria the latest market in the spotlight.
Kendouci hasn’t made it into the Algerian squad at the African Cup of Nations but his club manager at ES Setif is warning off the prospect of a mid-season move, which could simply be a ploy to increase any bid or to alert other clubs showing interest.
Picking up on the story the Daily Record reports:
Algerian media state Celtic are eyeing the 22-year-old Kendouci but the speculation has moved boss Nabil Kouki to issue a firm warning.
He said: “Last season, we missed out on the title because we sold important players in the transfer window. I very much hope and expect that it won’t happen this time.
“The board of this club must make a statement that we should keep our best players and indeed, strengthen the squad. So I very much hope Ahmed Kendouci remains with the club despite the recent speculation.”
Algerian outlets reported Celtic had even contacted Bougherra – who played for Rangers for three years and is now a coach with the African nation – for info on the playmaker.
Kendouci, who has two years left of his deal and is valued at £1million, has been capped once for his country, but didn’t make the squad for the African Cup of Nations.
With Iranian striker Mehdi Ghayedi, currently playing in the UAE also reported as a target Celtic appear to be spreading their scouting net far and wide.
So far in this window Celtic have signed three players from the J-League plus Johnny Kenny from the League of Ireland with the Transfer Window not yet at the half-way point.
Ange Postecoglou’s attention will now be turning towards Monday’s match against Hibs as the advancement of transfers is left in the hands of Michael Nicholson and his team.
CLICK HERE for Kendouci Transfermarkt profile.
