CELTIC are on the brink of sealing a loan move for Norwich City striker Adam Idah.
The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international is poised to agree a temporary contract with an option to buy as Brendan Rodgers strengthens his attack.
The Hoops gaffer and the recruitment team have scoured the world in their efforts to bring in a back-up hitman to Kyogo Furuhashi with Oh Hyeon-gyu his sole deputy with the clock ticking towards tomorrow’s 11.30pm deadline.
GREEN FOR GO…Adam Idah in action for the Republic of Ireland.
Twenty times-capped Idah, who is also being monitored by clubs at home and abroad, has netted seven goals for the Carrow Road club in 34 Championship appearances this season.
However, reports indicate the attacker has told his boss David Wagner he would prefer a move to Parkhead than elsewhere which will disappoint other suitors, including Serie A outfit Hellas Verona, according to the Daily Record.
The East Anglian club are ready to strike a deal once they have secured a replacement for Idah, who is under contract until the summer of 2028.
Ironically, they have been linked with Bologna forward Sydney van Hooijdonk, son of former Hoops goal hero Pierre, who was offered to the Hoops earlier this month, but the champions didn’t follow up initial interest.
Rodgers will hope to have the Irish attacker signed, sealed and delivered before the transfer cut-off.
CHEERLEADER…Brendan Rodgers is pushing ahead for deadline-beating Celtic deals.
One-time Celtic and Norwich City goalscorer Chris Sutton reserved judgement on the potential move, but tweeted: “I’m not sure, with the greatest respect, it’s an upgrade on Oh. Idah needs to get away from Norwich and has potential.
“But he has had potential for years. He’s 100 percent on the development category and a long way from the finished article.”
Meanwhile, Rodgers is also eyeing a new left-back, a process which has been speeded up following the injury to Greg Taylor who is likely to miss the upcoming Premiership away games against Aberdeen and Hibs.
South Korean midfielder Jung Ho-yeon, of K-League side Gwangju, remains in the manager’s sights.
