Great footballer’…Brendan Rodgers opens door to £9m Germany international joining him at Celtics

CELTIC are stepping up their efforts in the pursuit of £5million-rated winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha

Parkhead scouts watched the 10 times-capped Belgium Under-21 international in his side Royal Antwerp’s 5-1 loss at Unione Saint-Gilloise at the weekend, according to a report in the Scottish Sun.

Balikwisha was on Brendan Rodgers’ wanted list in January, but a torn thigh muscle forced any potential move into cold storage.

The 23-year-old raider, who is out of contract in June next year, is now back to full fitness, but didn’t get much of a chance to impress the Hoops deputation on Saturday night when his team collapsed after having Rosen Bozhinov red-carded just before the interval as they trailed 2-1.

Balikwisha set up the visitor’s goal before they fell apart in the second-half.

The versatile flanker, who can play on both wings, was aware of interest from the champions at the turn of the year and, speaking in a CQN report in February, admitted: “Celtic’s interest was concrete, but I chose to stay.

“Leaving with an injury was not ideal. We’ll see in the summer transfer window.”

Coincidentally, two of the triumphant USG side – Noah Sadiki and Franjo Ivanovic – are also players who have attracted Hoops spies this season.

Defensive midfielder Sadiki, 20, has already won seven full caps for DR Congo and was a £5million target for Lyon last year.

Striker Ivanovic has scored 17 goals – including a double against Royal Antwerp – since his summer move from Rijeka.

Premier League Brighton have also been linked with the 21-year-old Austrian frontman.