Genk put £5m price tag on Celtic target Kara Mbodj

Celtic target Kara Mbodj. Picture: Getty

The Senegalese international has starred in Genk’s rise to the top of the Belgian top flight, and had caught Ronny Deila’s eye while playing for Tromso in Norway.

The Hoops are said to be keeping tabs on Mbodj, a centre half who can also play in the holding midfield role, but face competition from West Ham and Crystal Palace.

Mbodj, 25, is under contract at Genk until 2018.

A club source said last night: “There has been interest in him but he’s under a long contract here and anyone who wants him will have to be realistic about a valuation.

“That means in the region of £5 million.”

Mbodj himself has admitted to interest in him from British clubs, but Celtic could be put off by the hefty price tag.

SCOTSMAN TABLET AND IPHONE APPS

• Download your free 30-day trial for our iPad, Android and Kindle apps

• Keep up to date with all aspects of Scottish life with The Scotsman iPhone app, completely free to download and use