Premiership champions Celtic are reportedly interested in signing Troyes defender Boubakar Kouyate.
French outlet France Football has revealed that the Hoops are one of the clubs after the Troyes man. Another French side Lens want him, but their offer is less than what Troyes want.
The report claims that Celtic are ‘most urgent’ to sign the central defender, but their Old Firm rivals are also in this race for Kouyate. Bundesliga clubs Eintracht Frankfurt and Schalke are also said to have asked for information about the player, who is valued at €4.5 million (£3.9 million) by his club.
The 2019/20 season saw Kouyate make 19 appearances in all competitions for Troyes. He played 18 times in Ligue 2 and even scored five goals for the club. He played once in the Coupe de la Ligue and scored one goal too (via Transfermarkt).
Should Celtic spend £3.9 million on Kouyate?
I'd love that
We shouldn't sign him
This shows that the 23-year-old has enjoyed a very good campaign in Ligue 2 and that is perhaps the reason why clubs want him.
TIF Thoughts…
Signing a central defender might make sense for Celtic, considering Jozo Simunovic has already left after not having signed a new deal at Parkhead. Kristoffer Ajer has been linked with moves to Milan, Leicester City, and Paris Saint-Germain. So in that sense, the need for a central defender does exist for the Hoops. Kouyate could therefore be exactly what Celtic need.
Given the level of interest reportedly shown in the Mali international, the Hoops may have a significant fight on their hands to secure the 23-year-old’s signature, though considering France Football’s suggestion that Celtic are showing a greater need for the player’s services, it may not be surprising to see Neil Lennon make an approach for the defender.