Celtic have approached West Ham to see if they want to reignite their pursuit of striker Moussa Dembele, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claim that the Brighton have already held talks with the Hoops for their £25million-rated forward, but the south-coast English club are wary of rivals West Ham hijacking their interest ahead of a potential big-money transfer in January.
The Mail report there is concern at Brighton that Dembele, 21, would prefer a move to a more established Premier League side like the Hammers.
In a clear sign that Celtic are preparing to sell Dembele in the January window, it is said that West Ham have been approached to see if they want to “revive their interest from last year” and Everton have also been made aware of the player’s potential availability.
Dembele has failed to make the starting XI for seven of Celtic’s last eight league matches despite being fit and available for action.
OPINION
Dembele is one of Europe’s outstanding young strikers and it is a mystery that he can’t get in the team ahead of the raw Odsonne Eduoard and misfiring Leigh Griffiths. His touch, technique, all-round game, power and mobility make him a handful for any defence, and the Frenchman’s continued absence from the side suggests something is going on behind the scenes ahead of the January window. It would represent fantastic fiscal business for Celtic to sell Dembele at a near-£25million profit next month, but surely their title bid is first and foremost. There have been a few wobbles from Brendan Rodgers’ side of late, and that can be fixed by reinstating Dembele in the side. Of course, the player himself could be pushing hard for the exit door, which might have muddied waters, and it is telling that Celtic are approaching Premier League clubs rather than the other way around. A January deal now seems increasingly likely.