BRENDAN RODGERS has been linked with TWO strikers as he plans to revamp his attacking options.
Celtic have been looking at Napoli frontman Giuseppe Ambrosino with the possibility of a season-long loan for the Italy Under-21 forward.
And a £1.5million deal for Kawasaki Frontale leader Shin Yamada has edged closer to conclusion.
Plus Belgian winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha remains on the radar while reports in Austria claim the Hoops’ initial bid – believed to be just short of £3million – for Rapid Vienna wide man Isak Jansson has been rejected.
ITALIAN TARGET…Napoli’s Italy Under-21 striker Giuseppe Ambrosino.
Transfer activity at Parkhead is hotting up as Nicolas Kuhn prepares to seal his £17.2million switch to Serie A outfit Como while Gustaf Lagerbielke is on the brink of a £2million move to Portuguese top-flight club SC Braga,
Rodgers admitted: “We’ve lost some really important players. Kyogo went and Nicolas is possibly leaving.
“We know we need to improve and I’m pretty sure we will over the summer.”
Ambrosino, of champions Napoli, could be one of the first to arrive in a temporary deal with an option to buy.
The youngster has already had four loan moves to lower league Italian sides and is seen as one for the future.
J-League ace Yamada netted only four goals in 21 appearances, but could realise his full potential at Parkhead.
If a deal for the 25-year-old raider is pushed through this month, it could allow Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Johnny Kenny to leave on loan with Bolton, who have already had a £500,000 offer rejected, still keen.
JAPANESE TARGET…Kawasaki Frontale frontman Shin Yamada.
Rodgers, speaking to the Scottish Sun, admitted: “I spoke to Johnny about his plan.
“We would really like him to sign another deal with Celtic and decide on what’s going to be best for his development, whether it’s to stay or if he needs another step to go out.”
Meanwhile, reports in Belgium insist the Hoops have stepped up interest in Royal Antwerp’s Balikwisha.
It is claimed his side are looking for a “hefty sum” to part with the 24-year-old flanker whose contract is scheduled to expire next year.
However, it appears Rapid Vienna are in no rush to part with Jansson and Celtic will have to think again about the player’s evaluation.
SWEDISH TARGET…Rapid Vienna winger Isak Jansson.
Rodgers has already brought in five players, including former fans’ favourite Kieran Tierney who won’t be risked against Cork City this evening.
The Scotland international left-back will be involved in Portugal on Saturday once his fitness levels are enhanced.
Benjamin Nygren, who arrived in a £1.7million deal from Sweden late last month, will also remain sidelined, but keeper Ross Doohan, who played for an hour in Friday’s 1-0 win over Queen’s Park, will be included.
Left-sided defender Hayato Inamura and former Fulham striking prospect Callum Osmand are also likely to be spectators in Ireland.
*DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Cork City v Celtic tonight – only in your champion CQN.
