Celtic are in the hunt to sign £4million-rated Sunderland striker Josh Maja, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claims that the Black Cats have set their asking price for the 20-year-old and they are ready to cash in on him this month as his contract expires at the end of the season.
It is understood that the third-placed League One club would rather sell Maja now than for a minimal compensation fee in the summer.
The Sun adds that Cardiff are set to make a £2million bid for the centre-forward, but Sunderland will reject it because it fails to meet their price-tag.
Good move for Celtic?
Maja has been in super form for Sunderland this season.
The 20-year-old has scored 16 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions for the English club and it is quite clear that he has a lot of potential and could one day be a top player in the Scottish Premiership.
Brendan Rodgers should definitely take a look at signing the striker, but for £4million? No chance.
Celtic can approach Maja to sign him on a pre-contract basis if they want so that they can sign him in the summer.
It would be a better idea to do that so they can snap him up for a lot less than the £4million asking fee.
This is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
Rodgers has already signed two new centre-forwards this month, three if you include Oliver Burke who can also play there, so why would he be willing to sign Maja in January as well?
If he wants him for the summer once loanees Timothy Weah and Burke go back to their parent clubs that would be more likely, but this report suggests that Sunderland want Maja gone this month.
If Cardiff bid what the Black Cats want then they will surely beat the Hoops to the player’s signature.
This is Futbol rating 2/10