Ben Jacobs on what ‘I’m told’ as Celtic and Saudi clubs show interest in Leeds United’s Joel Piroe

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Celtic are using a pretty large net to try to sign a striker during the January transfer window.

As of this moment, that net is in Yorkshire because Celtic have shown interest in Leeds United striker, Joel Piroe.

Piroe helped Leeds earn promotion to the Premier League last season by scoring 19 goals in 46 Championship matches.

But he is now a bench player in England’s top-flight, as transfer expert Ben Jacobs explained Piroe’s situation at Leeds right now.

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Joel Piroe to Celtic on loan… initial thoughts?

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How Joel Piroe is feeling amid transfer interest from Celtic and Saudi clubs

The key thing here is that, if Leeds United are to sell, then they are ‘only prepared to sanction a permanent exit’, according to Jacobs.

Speaking on Twitter Spaces, Jacobs also explained that he has been told the player himself wants to ‘stay and fight for his place’ at Elland Road.

“There is interest from Al-Taiwoon and from Neom, and even Al-Ahli made an inquiry for Joel Piroe, who is an attacker at Leeds United,” said Jacobs. 

“Leeds are only prepared to sanction a permanent exit, no loan, and we don’t know if the player is interested in Saudi Arabia at this point.

“If anything, I’m told he wants to stay and fight for his place at Leeds United.”

Wave another transfer target off the list, Celtic…

This is another transfer target Celtic can wave off their list, and there are many reasons behind it.

First of all, the champions of Scotland simply wouldn’t be able to pay what Leeds would want for the 26-year-old.

On top of that, you are then competing with not one, but several Saudi clubs for his signature, so it’s even more difficult.

Then you have the biggest obstacle of them all. Leeds are owned by 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group LLC. The same company that owns Rangers.

Given the three-way battle for the title in Scotland, you aren’t going to see Rangers providing their bitter rivals with a helping hand, because that’s what it would be.