Celtic launched bid for £5.5m Georgia international before decision made

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Celtic know they’ll have to be more proactive for the summer transfer window than they were in January.

Brendan Rodgers didn’t get the striker he wanted to replace Kyogo and only Jeffrey Schlupp arrived on deadline day after Jota had returned earlier that month.

Daizen Maeda’s stunning form has calmed any fears of a striker shortage but with Champions League fixtures to come in the summer – and hopefully a Treble to defend – the club must get their ducks in a row as early as possible.

According to reports in Spain, Celtic did attempt to land their first signing of the summer with an official proposal in recent weeks but were gazumped in their efforts.

• READ MORE: Kyogo told his Celtic transfer exit never made sense as striker resigned to Rennes fate

Celtic tried to sign Levante star Giorgi Kochorashvili

Levante midfielder Giorgi Kochorashvili, 25, was a Hoops target and according to SuperDeporte, Celtic submitted a proposal for the Georgia international who has 19 caps and three goals.

But unfortunately for the Glasgow giants, the defensive midfield player opted instead to move to Sporting CP who had already launched a bid of around £5.5million for their target.

This week it was confirmed by Levante that their player had penned his deal with the Portuguese giants and would join the club at the beginning of July.

So it means Brendan Rodgers will have to look elsewhere to find a new midfield player to play alongside Callum McGregor and co.

Other Celtic summer transfer targets

Celtic have already been linked with a move to another midfield player who starred alongside Arne Engels in Augsburg before he made his record Hoops move last summer.

Elvis Rexhbeçaj is of interest to Celtic who now need a fresh option given Kochorashvili’s decision.

The Levante star has six goals and four assists in La Liga Segunda from 26 appearances this campaign alone.

He also credits Castellon, Peralada and Saburtalo among his former clubs.

The playmaker, while a deeper lying midfielder by trade, can also play in an attacking area on the wing which could have suited Celtic’s desire to strengthen their attack force, too.

Mathias Kvistgaarden remains on Celtic’s list as a striker option.