Celtic are reportedly yet to begin talks to sign Aaron Malouda.
Reports linking Malouda with Celtic first emerged in May, when L’Equipe confirmed that both Sampdoria and the Hoops had presented projects to the Frenchman.
Aged 20, he is the son of ex-Chelsea favourite Florent Malouda and plays as a right-footed left-winger for Sabah FK in Azerbaijan.
Now, leading Central Asian football journo Fuad Alakbarov has verified those reports, insisting that Celtic are still interested.
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Celtic’s interest ‘not lost’ in Aaron Malouda
Alakbarov wrote on X: “Celtic are definitely interested in Aaron Malouda and have recently learned the conditions required to sign the player.
“However, as far as I know, talks have not started yet.
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“Reports that Celtic have been monitoring Aaron Malouda since the spring are accurate, and the club have not lost interest in the player.
“As for Aaron Malouda, he offers flexibility across both flanks and has featured centrally on occasion this season.
“His game is built more around progressive ball-carrying and taking on defenders than maintaining touchline width. He had a solid season.
“Celtic are not the only interested party in signing Malouda, with Sampdoria and several other clubs also exploring a potential move.”
Celtic have already tapped into the Azerbaijani market this summer with the signing of Camilo Duran from Qarabag for £6 million.
Duran’s Qarabag were beaten to the title by Malouda’s Sabah last season, ending their four-year run of consecutive league triumphs.
Malouda has spent time in the academies of Lyon, Rennes and finally Lille, where he was integrated into senior football as a 17-year-old.
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Martin O’Neill’s most recent recruitment update
Speaking this week, O’Neill said in his latest transfer update: “I’ve got a couple of boys who are very, very good in the background anyway.
“I think that we’ve made a couple of changes [in the squad]. Some people have left the football club. On the recruitment side, honestly, they’re working day and night.
“I’m in constant talks with them every single day. They’re behind the scenes. Genuinely, I’m really pleased with what they’re doing.
“Mark Cooper has been doing really well for us. He’s identified players over the last 10 or 12 years for us. Some really fine players.”
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