In a rare double transfer link, Celtic have been linked with both Lorent Tolaj and Aribim Pepple
Reports in England have named the Hoops as the ‘frontrunners’ for the Plymouth Argyle duo, who could be available at a ‘bargain’ price.
Despite uncertainty over Martin O’Neill’s future, Celtic have been linked with plenty of players as they do their preparations for what is likely to be a summer of much change.
The pair are both strikers. Between them, they have 29 goals this season. Interestingly, also, the pair also both have experience in Scottish football.
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How Celtic target Lorent Tolaj fared in Scotland with Dundee
Simple, really: bad. For reasons mostly out of his control, Tolaj’s spell at Dundee was far from the best six months of his career.
The Swiss striker joined in loan from Brighton with the Dees when they were in the Scottish Championship in 2023, after struggling in a previous loan spell with Salford City.
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There, he was a teammate of Luke McCowan, but largely went unused as he struggled with an achilles tendon injury. He made just three appearances in total.
In Tolaj’s defence, it was immediately after this move when he joined Aldershot Town in the National League, and he has been a prolific striker ever since, working his way up to League One, where he is currently.
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How Celtic target Aribim Pepple fared in Scotland with Inverness
Born in England and raised in Canada, Pepple began his youth career in North America before joining Getafe in Spain. He moved back across the Atlantic before joining Luton, from whom he went on loan to Inverness in 2024.
This was not an easy time to play at Inverness, with the club relegated from the Scottish Championship in tough financial conditions.
However, as a young striker, Pepple will absolutely have benefitted from then-Caley Thistle manager Duncan Ferguson.
He made 17 appearances for the Highlands side, scoring twice – including in an ultimately-unsuccessful relegation play-off against Hamilton Accies.
Pepple is a comparatively more raw option than Tolaj, with less experience and pedigree. He is unlikely to come in and be a starter for Celtic.
SPFL players linked with Celtic in January
Celtic enquired about Kieron Bowie early in January, in a search for a striker which lasted until the 20th of the month.
Bowie has now completed a move to Hellas Verona, reportedly worth up to £7 million, joining a long line of Scottish players moving to Serie A.
Celtic were also linked with Josh Mulligan, Bowie’s ex-teammate at Hibs. They face stiff competition for the 23-year-old, with Premier League clubs keen.
Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson is another SPFL player with reported interest from Celtic and Italy.
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