Celtic 'in talks' with former £25m striker who played under Brendan Rodgers in major transfer development

Celtic are reportedly in talks with Sevilla over a potential deal for striker Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Nigerian international previously played under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City, who paid £25million to sign him from Manchester City in 2017.

It is reported that the deal for Iheanacho, who has struggled to make an impact in La Liga this season, would involve a loan move until the end of the season with an option to buy.

Brendan Rodgers worked with Kelechi Iheanacho at Leicester City, now he wants to sign the striker for Celtic. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The 28-year-old joined Sevilla as a free agent last summer following the expiry of his Leicester contract, having contributed 61 goals and 34 assists in 232 appearances for the Foxes.

He also played 64 times for Manchester City, scoring 21 goals and providing seven assists over two seasons after graduating from the youth academy.

He has found the net just three times for Sevilla this season but has yet to break his duck in the Spanish top flight with all his goals coming in the Copa Del Rey cup competition.

Iheanacho has scored 15 goals in for his country, is said to be open to reuniting with Rodgers at Celtic amid interest from other clubs including Middlesbrough, PAOK and Venezia.

Speaking about Iheanacho while in charge of Leicester, Rodgers described the player as "conscientious, honest, and a very talented player."

Celtic target Kelechi Iheanacho in action for Sevilla against Real Mallorca in La Liga in August. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Celtic are in the market for a new striker before Monday's transfer deadline after selling top scorer Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes for £10million last week.

Reacting to the possibility of Iheanacho replacing the Japanese star at Celtic, ex-Rangers striker Kris Boyd, now a pundit, told Sky Sports News: "Totally differnet player. Brendan Rodgers has worked with him in the past, an FA Cup winner with him as well.

"He's went to Sevilla, it's not really happened for him there. He's probably looking to get back playing regular football. It might be an opportunity for Celtic to bring someone in with a great pedigree in terms what he did in the Premier League.

"I don't think he's ever been a goalscorer on a regular basis as such, but he can bring so much more to the game. Brendan Rodgers needs to get someone in there. Letting Kyogo go, yes it's good money for a 30-year-old, but we've all spoken about how difficult it is for your team to get a goalscorer. Celtic had one, they've let him go, and they're going to have to get someone in, that's for sure."

Meanwhile, Celtic winger Luis Palma has completed his move to Olympiacos after the Greek club announced his arrival on Saturday morning. The deal for the Honduras international involves a loan with an option to buy for £3.3million. Celtic are pursuing Sarpsborg winger Sondre Ørjasæter but have had an opening bid of £4.6 million rejected for the 21-year-old.