Swedish Report: Celtic showing interest in 34-cap Kenyan defender Erick Otieno

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Celtic have taken a look at AIK defender Erick Otieno as a potential left-back option, according to Fotboll Direkt.

The Kenyan international was said to have been scouted by both Manchester City and Leicester City last year [Aftonbladet]. However, Otieno remained with AIK and has had another big 12 months.

The full-back has started the new Allsvenskan campaign in fine form, and is part of an AIK backline that has kept an impressive 8 clean sheets in 15 games.

And now, Fotboll Direkt have reported that sources have told them Celtic have been showing an interest. As of yet, however, there’s been no information regarding any contact between the two clubs.

Last year, the player’s agent stated that AIK were ready to sell the Kenyan, with the player stating that the transfer interest was motivating him to perform to new heights [Fotboll Direkt].

Otieno has already made 34 appearances for his national team despite only being 25 years of age [Transfermarkt].

Erick Otieno or Mohanad Jeahze with Celtic now having reportedly looked at both

It’s unclear as to how much Otieno would cost Celtic. With the player still having 2 years remaining on his contract, there’s likely no real hurry for AIK to sell him.

The Hoops have already been linked with Allsvenskan rival Mohanad Jeahze, with Expressen claiming Celtic have already scouted him in action.

Ange Postecoglou is on the hunt for a new left-back this summer to provide genuine competition for Greg Taylor. However, as of yet, it’s not any clearer as to who that player is going to be.

Otieno would arrive with plenty of international experience with his country. However, he’s yet to experience any form of European football. Whether he would be of the required standard to operate in the UCL is up for debate.

But it’s good to hear about and see different reports regarding Celtic’s search for a new left-back. It does appear as if this is going to be a real priority for the club this summer. You would expect them to have a host of names on their shortlist as we hopefully close in on our number 1 candidate.

Time will tell whether that player is indeed Otieno.

In other news, The hour-long shooting sessions that led Kyogo to Celtic stardom