Celtic end interest in ‘Ghana Messi’ Frank Acheampong, but keep tabs on Juan Agudelo

CELTIC have ended their interest in winger Frank Acheampong, dubbed ‘the Ghanaian Lionel Messi’, but are continuing to pursue United States striker Juan Agudelo.

The 19-year-old Acheampong and the 20-year-old Agudelo had both been on trial at Celtic, but Neil Lennon admitted that the club would not be taking their interest in the African any further.

The Celtic manager said: “Juan is someone we like and we’ve made tentative approaches.

“Whether we can do something, we don’t know, but Frank we’ll not be pursuing.”

Agudelo, capped 16 times by the USA national side, currently plays for Chivas USA in Major League Soccer, where the season has ended.

Lennon had said previously that he hoped to sign Agudelo, but has not had the time to discuss the matter with scout John Park and chief executive Peter Lawwell.

“When he (Agudelo) left, he’s having a bit of a break because the American season finished,” said the Celtic manager.

“But we would look to pursue him again. So I don’t know where we are in terms of enquiries.”

Frank Acheampong has since returned to his current club, Thailand’s Buriram United.