Celtic Want to Sign ‘Phenomenal’ £60m Striker After Jota

Celtic are interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson, although they are one of several European clubs monitoring his situation at the Amex, according to TBR Football.

There has been talk of the Seagulls allowing Ferguson to leave on loan this month amid a lack of game time under Fabian Hurzeler, starting just two of 12 Premier League games. The 20-year-old has been nursing an ankle issue recently, but his future is uncertain, with his manager preferring Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck in attack

Kyogo Furuhashi is on his way out of Celtic Park and headed to Ligue 1 side Rennes, but the Japanese forward’s £10 million move has yet to be officially confirmed. Portuguese attacker Jota is moving in the opposite direction and returning to the club for £8 million – French outlet ouest france reports that the Hoops want the two announcements to come simultaneously.

Celtic In Race To Sign Brighton’s Ferguson

Celtic could look to replace Furuhashi, their top scorer with 10 goals, and Ferguson seems a good fit for Brendan Rodgers, who will want enough firepower to clinch the Scottish Premiership title. His side sit at the top of the table, with a 10-point lead over rivals Rangers after 23 games.

Ferguson has endured a frustrating season with fitness issues and a lack of form, managing one goal in the Premier League. He’s still an exciting prospect, who Brighton owner Tony Bloom is a fan of, and he doesn’t want to lose permanently unless the club receives over £60 million. This could be placed into a loan deal with an obligation to buy, which may complicate matters over a potential transfer to Parkhead.

The Seagulls are also cautious about leaving Hurzeler’s squad light up top amid injury issues also plaguing Pedro and Welbeck. If Celtic were to swoop, Rodgers could take advice from James Milner, who talked up the striker’s finishing abilities.