New Celtic transfer rumour raises eyebrows among Rangers fans as £10m striker and defender linked

After a quiet start to the January window, Celtic transfer rumours are starting to come thick and fast.

A number of players have been linked with the Parkhead side in recent days with manager Martin O'Neill stating his desire to have new signings in the door in time for the Premiership top-of-the-table clash with Hearts next weekend.

The latest names to emerge on Friday include an English Premier League striker and a Swiss international defender.

Celtic have been credited with an interest in Leeds United striker Joel Piroe. | Getty Images

A report crediting Celtic with a loan move for Leeds United frontman Joel Piroe has raised eyebrows among Rangers fans due to the San Francisco 49ers link.

Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe is also vice-chairman at Rangers with the prospect of another club in the 49ers Enterprises stable loaning a player to an Old Firm rival causing a stir on social media.

Posting on X, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph stated: “Celtic have held talks over the signing of Leeds United forward Joel Piroe. Celtic would prefer a loan and can meet the wage expectations.

“LUFC due to make a decision - they’ve no indication he wants to leave. 49ers involvement could also complicate things.”

Dutch striker Piroe, 26, who recently declared international allegiance to Suriname, has bagged 33 goals and contributed 10 assists in 109 appearances for Leeds, but has failed to score this season and started only two matches.

He moved to Elland Road in a £10million transfer from Swansea in 2023, having managed 46 goals and eight assists in 96 appearances for the Welsh outfit.

Celtic have also been linked with a loan move for Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Aurele Amenda.

The 22-year-old is said to be keen to secure his place in Murat Yakin's Swiss World Cup squad with reports in Germany claiming that Celtic are vying with Mainz, Lorient, Nice, Torino and Valencia for an agreement until the end of the season.

Frankfurt signed Amenda from Young Boys for £7.8million in the summer of 2024 but he has started just three times in the Bundesliga this season and once in the Champions League. Celtic are understood to be seeking right-sided defensive cover for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers and recalled Stephen Welsh from Motherwell earlier this week.