Celtic handed boost in pursuit of international ace as club 'lowers asking price'

Celtic have been handed a big boost in their pursuit of an international forward after his club reportedly lowered their asking price.

Mohamed Elynounoussi and Scott Brown lead the way at training at Lennoxtown

Mohamed Elyounoussi has been on loan at Celtic since August 2019 from Southampton, who paid Basel £16 million for his services and signed him on a five-year deal in June 2018.

The Hoops were keen on doing a permanent deal for the Norway internationalist but are said to have baulked at the Saints' asking price in the summer of 2020 which was said to be in the region of £8 – £10 million.

However, the English Premier League side are reportedly open to accepting around half that fee for the 26-year-old this summer, paving the way for Celtic to sign the former Sarpsborg 08 youngster on a permanent basis.

Elyounoussi scored eight goals in 21 games during his first season in Glasgow and has scored 13 in 31 this season.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon last week mentioned a possible third loan spell for the Norwegian at Parkhead but Football Insider reports that Elyounoussi’s value may increase if he enjoys a fruitful end to the campaign.

Southampton are open to the player leaving permanently after he failed to set the heather alight during his debut season in England but there may be plenty of suitors, with Real Betis keen last summer before he rejoined Celtic.

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