Celtic learn steep asking price for impressive 31-goal attacker linked with Bhoys move

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will already have targets in mind to strengthen his squad during the summer transfer window.

Once the campaign concludes, the Irishman knows that Joe Hart will need replacing as he is retiring from professional Football, prompting the Bhoys to search for a new number one.

According to reports, Queens Park Rangers stopper Asmir Begovic is on Rodgers’ shortlist to succeed the former England international; however, he is also open to extending his contract at Loftus Road.

Despite this, the reigning Scottish Premiership champions won’t be deterred in their pursuit of the former Boznia & Herzegovina international. Filling the void set to be left between the sticks by Hart is an urgent priority.

Cremonese midfielder Charles Pickel would favour a move to Parkhead over Sky Bet Championship destinations such as Leeds United and Preston North End; nevertheless, it remains to be seen if any interest from Celtic in his services will materialise.

In the forward areas, Blackburn Rovers forward Sammie Szmodics is a target for the Hoops alongside Premier League trio Brentford, Fulham, and Luton Town, per reports earlier this month.

The Republic of Ireland international has thrived at Ewood Park this term, scoring 31 times and recording four assists in 47 appearances across all comPetitions [Transfermarkt].

Sammie Szmodics price tag named amid Celtic links

According to The Sun, Blackburn Rovers could demand a fee between £15-20 million for Szmodics this summer in light of his imperious goalscoring form.

Luton Town and Brentford remain interested in his services; meanwhile, recently relegated Premier League outfit Sheffield United are also keen admirers of the Colchester-born man.

The Riversiders demanded a similar fee for Adam Wharton when he was sold off to Crystal Palace for a fee of £18 million, rising to £22 million.

Realistically, Celtic would be priced out of a swoop for Szmodics if he were to be floated for £15-20 million, which would be way beyond the financial parameters we operate within at Parkhead.

Nevertheless, he will be 29 in September, and his age may be a deterrent for clubs such as Brentford, who usually look for some form of sell-on value down the line when evaluating key targets.