Ajax enter race to sign Armenian star reportedly on Celtic’s transfer radar

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Celtic are scouring the transfer market for a number of positions.

Brendan Rodgers wants a new striker to challenge Adam Idah, which would also cover any potential sale of Brentford-linked Daizen Maeda.

The Hoops are also seeking a new winger and Benjamin Nygren is their top target. FC Nordsjælland’s star man is in talks with Celtic over a move between £1.7m and £2m.

While a new left-back is required given Greg Taylor’s impending departure. Both PAOK and FC Copenhagen have been linked with the Scotsman.

What about in the centre of midfield? Celtic are well stocked in that area, but they have been linked with Krasnodar’s playmaker Eduard Spertsyan.

Spertsyan is said to be on Celtic’s radar, according to Mezzala Futbol and Scout. Leeds United and Porto were also namechecked, but now Ajax have entered the equation.

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Celtic-linked Eduard Spertsyan now wanted by Ajax

Ajax were linked with Spertsyan before, but it is being claimed they have renewed their interest in the 25-year-old Armenian this summer.

Russian outlet SE has learned that Spertsyan is being targeted by the Dutch giants, which may make Celtic’s life a little more difficult if they want to pursue him.

Spertsyan was tremendous for Krasnodar last season as he scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 28 games for the club.

Those contributions fired Krasnodar to the Russian Premier League title as they pipped giants Zenit by a point.

Spertsyan addressed his future

Spertsyan is captain of the Armenian national team and spoke to the media at a press conference before losing 5-2 to Kosovo in a friendly match.

He was asked about his future amid transfer speculation, saying: “Looking back, we definitely made the right decision last year for me to stay one more season (at Krasnodar).

“I said it a year ago and I’ll say it again – you have to win something and then leave. We’ll see what happens this summer.

“The dream is there to play in Europe, in top-level Champions League and Europa League matches. Playing in a top league, that’s my biggest dream, something I work toward every day.

“As for following in (Henrikh) Mkhitaryan’s footsteps, I believe everyone has their own path. Henrikh had his, Matvei has his, and I will have mine.”