Celtic are reportedly targeting Qarabag striker Camilo Duran.
Ahead of a significant summer rebuild, we are currently expecting confirmation that Martin O’Neill has secured his backroom staff for next season.
On the recruitment front, things have been moving slowly so far. Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi, both keen on staying at Celtic, are reportedly yet to receive offers from the club.
But Iheanacho reportedly isn’t the only striker on the club’s radar, with Duran emerging as a target.
👀 A clear trend in Martin O’Neill’s striker targets…
Celtic target Camilo Duran valued at £2 million
According to the Scottish Sun, Duran is a target as O’Neill hunts at least two strikers this summer.
In the event of Iheanacho staying, this would create a serious challenge for Johnny Kenny and Callum Osmand to earn first-team minutes.
READ MORE: Chris Sutton backs Celtic Fans Collective statement: ‘I get it’
The report says that Duran is valued around £2 million, and when you look at his goal record in this season’s Champions League, that seems like a bargain.
He bagged five goals as the Azerbaijani side reached the competition’s knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Among his contributions were a goal and assist in an away win against Benfica, a brace at home to Frankfurt and a consolation goal against Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Duran is Colombian and uncapped. He only moved to Qarabag last year, having previously had an unremarkable record in the Portuguese second tier at Portimonense, where he was a teammate of Yuki Kobayashi.
He is aged 24 and contracted until 2028. A left-footed striker, he is 5 foot 10 in and credited for his acceleration and work-rate.
Vacancies in Celtic’s striker department have been created after neither of the loan moves of Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu worked out.
👀 A reasonable figure?
Dermot Desmond has pledged to back Martin O’Neill
Dermot Desmond has already vowed to back Martin O’Neill in this summer’s transfer window, saying after his appointment: “Time and time again, Martin has shown his qualities and what he can bring to Celtic.
“We know he is a winner, we know what the club means to him and he continues to be the outstanding candidate to give us the best opportunity to realise our objectives.
“He knows the demands at Celtic and I know how determined he is again to bring success to the club and to our supporters.
“The club will support Martin fully again across the close season to make sure we are well prepared to achieve domestic success and compete on the European stage.”
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
