Celtic have opened talks over a January move for Leeds United striker Joel Piroe, according to Sky Sports News reporter Anthony Joseph.
The Hoops are enduring a difficult season by their usual standards and are already on their fourth manager of the campaign.
Martin O’Neill is back in the dugout for a second spell following the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy.
Celtic currently sit second in the Scottish Premiership, six points adrift of leaders Hearts, and strengthening the striker position has been identified as a top priority in the January transfer window as they look to close the gap.
Attention has now turned south of the border, with Leeds forward Piroe emerging as a potential target. The Dutchman is on a reported £50,000-a-week at Elland Road but has struggled for regular minutes in the Premier League this season, despite being Leeds’ top scorer during last year’s promotion-winning campaign.
Piroe has managed just 203 minutes of league action so far, making only two starts, and currently finds himself behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor and Felix Nmecha in the attacking pecking order.
That lack of game time has prompted Celtic to make contact over a possible move to Parkhead. Sky Sports report the Scottish side are exploring a loan deal until the end of the season and are prepared to meet the player’s wage demands.
Leeds have yet to decide on Piroe’s future, while it is also noted that the 49ers — who own Leeds and are linked to Rangers — could complicate negotiations. The striker himself has not pushed for a move at this stage.
From a footballing perspective, Piroe would tick many boxes for Celtic. While not the fastest forward, the 26-year-old is technically gifted and clinical in and around the penalty area.
Under O’Neill, who previously revitalised strikers such as Chris Sutton and Mark Viduka, a move to Glasgow could reignite Piroe’s career and bolster Celtic’s title push.
Whether a deal can be agreed remains to be seen, but it is clear Celtic are working hard to secure a new striker before the window closes.
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