INCOMING boss Wilfried Nancy has reportedly targeted Columbus Crew striker Wessam Abou Ali as his priority target in the January transfer window.
The Frenchman is on the brink of being named as Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor after Martin O’Neill took over in an interim capacity just over a month – and five games – ago.
The champions are negotiating with several of Nancy’s backroom staff at the MLS outfit, including No2 Kwame Ampadu, before the anticipated announcement is made.
If there are no unexpected hitches, the 48-year-old gaffer will move for prolific Palestine international Abou Ali to bring the frontman to Glasgow, according to the Scottish Sun.
TARGETMAN…Wessam Abou Ali celebrates another goal.
Nancy signed the 26-year-old hitman from Egyptian club Al Ahly for £5.7million in July and was rewarded with three goals in five games from the new boy.
The Denmark-born raider emphasised his penalty box prowess with a hat-trick for his former club in a 4-4 draw against Porto in the Fifa Club World Cup in the summer just before his switch to Crew.
Nancy realises the MLS team will demand a huge fee for the 6ft-plus raider who is under contract until the summer of 2027 with the Ohio-based side also holding a 12-month option.
Ali, who has netted four goals in 10 international appearances, also claimed 28 goals in 35 outings for Al Ahly before Nancy’s swoop five months ago.
Now there is a chance the two will be reunited at Celtic.
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