Celtic have enquired about a potential deal for Rennes striker M’Baye Niang, according to Foot Mercato.
Niang had a troubling campaign last season in which he only bagged one goal in 17 appearances. This came after a 15-goal season in Ligue 1 the year beforehand [Transfermarkt].
Niang’s contract in France expires in the summer of 2023. However, Foot Mercato believes that Celtic, Anderlecht, and Nottingham Forest have all taken information on a potential move.
The former AC Milan striker, who has 15 international caps with Senegal, came up against the Hoops for Rennes in 2019. He caused the Hoops plenty of bother in France, winning and scoring a penalty after schooling ex-Celt Kristoffer Ajer.
Foot Mercato reports that Niang has been placed on the transfer list these days at Rennes. Several Turkish clubs are also said to be monitoring the situation.
Rennes striker M’Baye Niang likely won’t come cheap
Signing up M’Baye Niang would be an interesting move from Celtic. He’s physical and comes with strong hold-up play. However, he isn’t one you can consider an out-and-out goalscorer.
For example, he only has 30 goals in 92 appearances for Rennes. He also only banged in 12 in 79 appearances with AC Milan [Transfermarkt]. If we’re looking for a goalscorer to replace Edouard, this isn’t it.
And it’s also important to forget any notion that Edouard would play alongside Niang. This is a deal that can only be done if we rake in some big money for Odsonne. Niang won’t come cheaply, and as things stand, we already have four strikers on the books.
What’s promising about this is that it looks as though Celtic are checking their options in case he departs. The likelihood is that a deal will still go through, with Brighton reportedly offering £18.5m for the Frenchman [Daily Record].
Niang appears to be one of the options under consideration. With Kyogo Furuhashi also signed up, Niang would make for an interesting partner should Postecoglou wish to play with two up top.
For now, however, any move still appears to be a long way off.
In other news: Ange Postecoglou admits Celtic don’t have a solidified number one
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
