Celtic could sign Sunderland sensation Josh Maja ahead of Premier League clubs as they look to take advantage of cross-border transfer rules, according to the Scottish Sun.
The newspaper claim the Glasgow giants have the 20-year-old striker in their sights and believe they could seal a deal similar to the one that took Moussa Dembele to Parkhead in the summer of 2016.
The Scottish Sun report that Fifa rules mean Celtic qualify as a foreign club, which means they would have to pay “minimal compensation” if they signed Maja on a pre-contract agreement, as his Sunderland deal expires in the summer.
Good move for Celtic?
Maja is a hugely exciting talent with the potential to play top-level football. He has been the driving force behind Sunderland’s promotion bid this season, scoring 14 goals from 23 league games, and 15 in all competitions. Quick, powerful, technically sound and a front man with a real eye for goal, the Black Cats academy product has looked the best player in League One this season, not bad for a player who only turned 20 a fortnight ago. Celtic are in real need of a centre-forward worthy of the name, despite recruiting two this month, with Timothy Weah only joining on loan. Maja would be a brilliant capture if they could get it done.
This Is Futbol rating 9/10
Likely to happen?
There is a stampede of interest in Maja, whose decision to reject a new Sunderland contract has put clubs in the Premier League and overseas on red alert. Celtic are genuinely in the race due to their location and prestige, and must be a leading candidate if they can convince Maja to follow the same path as Dembele did three years ago.
This Is Futbol rating 4/10