Celtic have long been linked with a move for Kieron Bowie, even before the former Hibs striker chose to sign with Hellas Verona in January.
But now, Celtic are prepared to do battle for Bowie as Bologna lead the race for his signature after Verona put a £13m price tag on the young striker’s head.
But a return to Scotland could be on the cards after Corriere di Verona [via the Daily Record] claim that Bowie is ‘tempted’ by Celtic’s participation in Europe next season.
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Kieron Bowie to Celtic… yes or no?
Celtic’s clear Kieron Bowie advantage despite Bologna claim
The report says that Bologna are in pole position to land Bowie and that despite the £13m transfer fee placed on his head, Celtic remain undeterred.
While many fans will believe that price puts Bowie out of Celtic’s reach, European football gives the Hoops a clear selling point in the race.
At 23, Bowie fits within Celtic’s transfer model and if he continues to progress at the rate he has, he will command a larger transfer fee later on in his career.
With Verona’s relegation from Serie A, the door has been left open for Bowie to make his exit and Parkhead looks like a very feasible option for the forward.
Celtic face huge £13m transfer question over Bowie
Martin O’Neill needs several positions in the Celtic squad strengthened this summer so that raises one big question about the Bowie fee.
Would the Celtic manager risk spending the vast majority of his budget on just one player?
However, if Bologna are interested then Celtic need to make up their minds on whether to continue to pursue Bowie.
That is where this gets interesting for Celtic.
Bowie is not being framed as a cheap punt, or a striker Celtic can wait around on while the market settles. Verona’s price tag makes this a serious call.
If Celtic want him, they may have to act like a club chasing Champions League football, not one hoping the deal falls into place.
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